Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14 and Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB19. 04.06.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 8, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Race Day.
Ex-Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button asserts that Lewis Hamilton is right to consider his team-mate record tougher than Max Verstappen but says he would be “more fearful” of the latter.
On the eve of Verstappen breaking the F1 consecutive wins record at Monza last Sunday, Hamilton took aim at the Dutchman’s success by claiming he is yet to encounter a team-mate as strong as he has.
Whilst Hamilton has gone up against three separate World Champions in his extensive career, Verstappen is yet to be partnered in the same team by an F1 title winner.
However, Button, who was Hamilton’s team-mate at McLaren between 2010-2012, reveals he would rather avoid trying to match up to Verstappen in equal machinery.
“I think Lewis has had some very tough team-mates, he’s had World Champions as team-mates, whereas Max hasn’t,” Button told Sky Sports at the Goodwood Revival.
“But for me, I would be more fearful going up against Max in the same car. And I think it is because the car is designed around his style, or he can drive a car that Adrian Newey gives him.
“I think Adrian gives him a car and says, ‘This is the quickest car in the world. If you take away front downforce, it’s going to go slower, but it’ll be easier to drive.’
“And Max is, ‘Right, I have to drive how you’ve made this car, and I need to drive it as quick as I can.’ So I think that he’s very good at that. And I think a lot of drivers struggle to compete with that.”
Pressed again on the conversation prompted by Hamilton’s remark last week, Button continued: “It’s a difficult one. I think Lewis has had more difficult team-mates, but I also wouldn’t want to go up against Max.”
Meanwhile, the 2009 World Champion has grouped the pair with Fernando Alonso as the three drivers he believes stand out above the rest on the current grid.
“They’re all unbelievable drivers, the best in the world,” Button continued. “And some of the best we’ve ever seen in F1. I wish there was more competition at the front, between Max, Lewis, and Fernando, those three for me are the ones that stand out.
“But it’s not the way in F1. It’s a technology race and Red Bull, fair play to them, they’re doing a better job right now.”
(L to R): Race winner Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in parc ferme with second placed Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren. 23.07.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest, Hungary, Race Day.
Button was then asked to weigh in on Lando Norris’ situation at McLaren, insisting the British driver would be wise to opt for the team that will provide a car that suits his driving style amid the struggles many of Verstappen’s team-mates have experienced.
However, Button believes Norris should remain open to a move to Red Bull to partner the reigning World Champion in case McLaren fails to make the necessary strides to become a credible title contender.
“The issue is you have to be the best to be a World Champion,” Button assessed. “And that was the whole thing for me when I left Brawn [at the end of 2009].
“I was like, ‘I have to go to McLaren because I need to race against Lewis Hamilton’, who was regarded as the best. And I think that’s what he’s got to decide he wants to do.
“I think if he’s clever, he will decide on a car that suits his style. And I think we’ve seen from a lot of drivers, the Red Bull doesn’t suit many drivers, apart from Max.
“So, it’s not an easy decision for him. He’s not in a car that can win right now. And it probably won’t next year either, I don’t think.
“He’s got to be looking elsewhere for 2025. Or he puts his trust in McLaren. They’ve won races, they’ve won championships, and it can come back around.
“So, as long as he can see the future and think that they’re in a good place as a team, and it gives him confidence, stay there. If not, go and fight Max Verstappen in his own team. But that’s a hard one.”
Keyword: Button: Verstappen ‘more fearful’ to go up against than Hamilton