Formula One world champion Jenson Button insists his friendly rivalry with McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton shows drivers can have a healthy relationship and still fight for the title.
In the run-up to Sunday’s British Grand Prix, Red Bull teammates Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel were involved in a war of words that once again highlighted the issue of drivers struggling to maintain relationships in such a competitive environment.
Webber, who won the race, was unhappy at what he perceived was favouritism towards Vettel ahead of qualifying on Saturday.
Questions have also been asked about Button and Hamilton’s relationship, but the pair are adamant there is nothing wrong with their friendly rivalry.
“In that situation Lewis and I, if we both qualify well, will be fighting wheel to wheel, and we will fight as hard as anyone, but we still work together well,” Button said after his fourth place finish at Silverstone.
“We are hungry for success and for winning. We wouldn’t have become world champions if we weren’t hungry for that.
“But we get on well at the moment. That might not always be the case, but we are going to try to keep it that way.
“I think it keeps a very good environment within the team, and it pushes everyone here really hard.
“Both sides of the garage work for us, and although they obviously want our car to beat the other car, you don’t get this split garage.”
Hamilton, who extended his championship lead over Button to 12 points after finishing second, agrees with his McLaren colleague.
As far as the 25-year-old is concerned, there is no healthier place to be working right now than at McLaren.
“The team is performing as a group. Look at the harmony of the team,” Hamilton said.
“It’s really awesome, the best I have ever seen it, and myself and Jenson add to that.
“If there was a rift between us it would divide the sides, and we don’t have that. It’s a real team. We work together.” — Sapa-AFP