Button believes that since their days as teammates at McLaren, Lewis Hamilton has become a much more well-rounded and mature driver. Button feels that Hamilton’s ability to remain calm in the face of a disappointing race result is testament to his maturity, and something he would not have seen when they were teammates. In the three seasons they were together at McLaren, Button outscored Hamilton in 2011, but Hamilton’s move to Mercedes and subsequent success there speaks to his growth and development as a driver.
Button’s assessment is one that is widely shared among the F1 paddock, with many considering Hamilton to be one of the most composed and level-headed drivers on the grid. It is clear that Hamilton has become a more composed and well-rounded driver since his early days at McLaren, and Button’s insight provides a unique perspective on how Hamilton has developed over the years. Button’s comments highlight the evolution of Hamilton’s character and approach to racing, making him a more complete driver in the eyes of many. It is fascinating to see how a driver’s journey can evolve, even after they have already achieved success. Hamilton’s story is a testament to the importance of personal growth and development.
Despite George Russell outscoring Lewis Hamilton in 2022, the former world champion struck back in 2023, with a healthy points margin over his team-mate. Button revealed that his own lack of consistency was what prevented him from matching Hamilton on a regular basis during their time as teammates. In fact, Button believes his inability to be consistently excellent was the key reason why he didn’t enjoy as much success against Hamilton as he could have. Hamilton’s continued success at Mercedes, even in the face of a strong teammate like Russell, speaks to his consistency and mental strength. Button may have lacked consistency, but he still achieved much during his career.
Button’s opinion is that Hamilton’s personal growth has led to him becoming an even better driver, even compared to when the two were teammates. Hamilton has become more resilient in the face of setbacks and is able to bounce back from a bad race in a way that he wasn’t able to do in the past. His ability to stay calm under pressure is a testament to his mental strength and maturity. With Hamilton and Russell signed through to 2025, the team can continue to build and improve. With Button’s experience and insight, it is clear that the team is well-positioned for continued success in the future.
