Jenson Button says he ‘feels at home’ with the McLaren team. He joined the Woking based squad last year when he failed to negotiate a contract with Brawn GP, now Mercedes.
There have been many critical comments surrounding Button’s move, with David Coulthard expecting the Brit to trail Hamilton, whilst Eddie Jordan said Button is entering the lions den. The general feeling in the media is that Button won’t match the 2008 world champion.
“Change is difficult for all of us, but it’s also exciting, I didn’t really know what to expect coming into a new team after being with the same team for seven years,” said Button.
“But I’ve spent so much time at the factory, more than I have in any of my previous years in racing.
“I’ve really got to know people, and it’s been really good. There is a great atmosphere within this team.
“I think they’re very excited Lewis and myself have both achieved so much in the sport, and now we’re racing together under the same roof, there’s a real buzz about the place.
“So I feel very at home after two months, which is crazy to say, but I do, and I now go to the first race ready to put in a good performance.”
In 2007, Hamilton partnered two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso. The two famously fought off-track with Alonso claiming the team favoured the rookie. Button is well aware of the spat, and knows he must remain positive throughout the year to avoid any unnecessary run-ins.
“You always go into a team thinking you’re equal to the best in the world,” he said. “Nobody ever knows until you race against other drivers who are competitive. But I’m not going into the first race thinking ‘If he beats me in this race, that’s it, it’s game over.’
“Nor am I thinking if I beat him ‘Yay, that’s it, I’ve won the championship.’ It’s not like that. It’s a 19-race series, a long championship, and we will see what happens.”
