Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: December 18, 2023, 08:22 IST
F1 racer Lewis Hamilton (AP)
For the second yr working, Lewis Hamilton failed to win a grand prix as Max Verstappen gained 19 of the 22 races.
Former Formula One world champion Jenson Button says his outdated teammate Lewis Hamilton wants “the right car” to return to the entrance of the grid subsequent season with Red Bull favourites once more to clear up in 2024.
For the second yr working, Mercedes driver Hamilton failed to win a grand prix as Max Verstappen gained 19 of the 22 races with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez taking two of the different three.
“Red Bull are going to be at the front again next year,” Button instructed AFP.
“They had a strong car this year and they’ve been able to work on next year’s car.
“The thing is, if you just look at the results of the race, you go ‘Oh Max Verstappen won again’ but when you actually watch the races, there have been some amazing races this year.
“Max hasn’t had it all his own way. He’s come out on top in the end but there have been some great fights this season.
“I have enjoyed the year. Would I like more people winning? Yes of course. But it’s just not happened.”
Button, who has simply introduced a return to full-time racing in 2024 with the World Endurance Championship, is aware of a factor or two about domination having gained six of the first seven races in 2009, a begin that launched him to the title with Brawn.
And he has an admiration for the single-mindedness with which Verstappen set about his enterprise.
“I think Max has done such an amazing job,” stated Button.
“He’s not put a foot wrong. He’s obviously driving a good car, you don’t win without a good car, but you’ve just got to compare him to where his teammate was most races. It’s a big difference.
“Going into 2024, Red Bull are still the favourites but I think the other teams will be a bit closer.
“It’s not going to be easy to beat Max in a Red Bull if his head is in the right place.”
– ‘Definitely good enough’ –
One of these with practical expectations of difficult Verstappen is seven-time champion Hamilton who will probably be 39 by the begin of subsequent season.
Can he legitimately count on to compete as he did in the thrilling and controversial 2021 title race?
“Lewis wouldn’t race if he didn’t think he wasn’t good enough,” says Button who shared a pit with Hamilton after they have been each at McLaren.
“Lewis is definitely good enough to win races and to win a championship — with the right car.
“Coming up against Max is difficult but if Lewis is in a car that suits him and Max is in a car that suits him… I look forward to that fight.
“Hopefully we will see it before Lewis retires, he’s definitely got the ability to do that.”
Button, 43, will contest the full programme of eight races, together with Le Mans, in the World Endurance Championship in the Hypercar class with Hertz Team JOTA driving a Porsche 963.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
