Jenson Button confident of taming 'lion' Hamilton in his McLaren den

Date published : 19 Jan 2010 - 19:42:03

It was a sensible call. Button knows he cannot afford to be off his game for even one second in the presence of Hamilton, his predecessor as world champion and one of Formula One's most ruthless predators. These early meetings ostensibly a chat over coffee and a chance to compare notes on the car's performance in the McLaren simulator will form the basis of their relationship this year; a chance to feel one another out, forge a working relationship, but also to probe for weaknesses. The power struggle begins in earnest in Woking this morning. Hamilton and Button have both stressed the importance of working together this year. Of course they must. Yet at the same time it is inevitable they will be doing everything in their powers to beat each other. Their reputations, as well as their pride, are at stake. Two world champions competing for primacy and a nation's affection. There are many in the paddock who think the relationship doomed to failure. Sir Jackie Stewart said he could not comprehend why Button would wish to "step into the lion's den" at McLaren, a team who have nurtured Hamilton for a decade. Button, as ever, claims to be unconcerned. "It's understandable that the team love Lewis," he said on Tuesday. "He is a world champion. He has been with the team for years and has done exceptionally well. But so far every day I have been there it has been very positive. "Everyone is excited about having us both on board. They know I have a lot of experience of working with team-mates good and bad over the years. "I come with a lot of useful information and a history of working and getting along with drivers." Button feels he has plenty of gas left in the tank at 30. "For me it's a step forward in my career because it gives me the buzz to achieve again," he said. "People say 'Do you feel old at 30?' "Of course I don't feel old. I have achieved a reasonable amount before I got to 30. Now I'm looking forward to the future and how much more I can achieve." A new man for a new decade. Button revealed that he was persuaded to shave off his beard at the behest of his girlfriend. He must hope he does not suffer a Samson-esque loss of powers. Hamilton will be only too happy to play the role of Philistine. Meanwhile it has been confirmed that McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa will drive for BMW Sauber this season. And McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has been elected as the new chairman of the Formula One Teams' Association .