Jenson Button is certain he and new team-mate Sergio Perez will build up a strong working relationship in order to push McLaren forward in 2013.
Button spent the last three seasons working alongside Lewis Hamilton. However with the latters move to Mercedes, Button will now go up against the far less experienced Perez, who, despite having spent just two seasons behind the wheel, is very capable according to the Brit.
“I had three fantastic seasons racing alongside Lewis, but nothing stays the same in Formula One and people move on,” he told the McLaren website.
“It’s always interesting to have a new team-mate – there’s that inevitable getting-to-know-you period when you’re settling in, but I’m really pleased to have Checo at McLaren.
“We all saw what he was capable of doing behind the wheel of a Sauber last year and I think he’s a very good addition to this team.”
Button highlighted the need for a friendly atmosphere between team-mates to ensure the team is working at its best.
“The most important thing is that you have a good working relationship, that you can share ideas and information freely and that you’re working together with the engineers for the good of the team. That’s never been an issue at McLaren and I think we’re going to work well together – Checo may only be 22, but he’s very sensible and he knows what’s needed to get the most from the car, so I predict it’ll be a very strong partnership.”
