Button will work closely with Hamilton
Button wants to work with Hamilton to bring world titles to McLaren
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 20, Jan 2010 10:45
By Adam Leveridge
Jenson Button said he will work closely with Lewis Hamilton to ensure McLaren heads in the right direction, towards another world championship title.
Button makes the switch to Woking alongside Hamilton in 2010 after clinching his first world drivers' title with the Brawn GP team last year, which rose out of the ashes of Honda in spectacular style to win nine races in total and secure the constructors' title as well.
The reigning world champion faced criticism from certain corners of the formula one community and the media for abandoning Brawn after years of loyalty and for putting himself up against Hamilton, who is regarded as one of the quickest in the current crop of drivers.
However, Button justified his decision to move to McLaren by saying he wanted new challenges since achieving his lifetime ambition last season.
In an interview with the BBC, Button said while there will be a "fierce" internal rivalry he will need to work closely with Hamilton to achieve further world titles.
"We'll be fierce rivals on the circuit," he explained.
"But to be quick and to fight for the world championships we need to work together - and that's what we'll do.
"Lewis has gained a lot of experience in his short career in F1 and so have I.
"It's been negative and positive for both of us and if we bring it together we'll be a lot stronger package this season.
"I wouldn't have won the world championship without Rubens Barrichello.
"We built the car up, we pushed for improvements, we worked together as a team and you see what happens at the end of the year."
Button also insisted he will be on level pegging with Hamilton at McLaren and will receive the same support and backing from the team.
"Whatever happens this year happens, but first of all we need to work together to be competitive," said Button.
"We really do need to work closely together, and Lewis understands that as well. It's an exciting partnership.
"We'll have a close relationship and will work in the same direction."
McLaren will launch the MP4-25 in the UK on January 29th before attending the first winter test of the year at the Ricardo Tormo circuit just outside Valencia