Hamilton does not fear Button

Although both won 3 races in 2011, it was undeniably Jenson Button who was the better of the two McLaren drivers last year. The Briton consistently finished in the points, was often on the podium, and was notably crowned the 2011 vice-world champion, 122 points behind the indomitable Sebastian Vettel. As such, he became the first McLaren driver to beat Lewis Hamilton over the course of a season.

He finishes in 5th place, at the end of an up-and-down championship, often overshadowed by personal problems (such as his breakup with singer Nicole Scherzinger), frequent questioning, and a bad reputation within the paddock following his altercations with Felipe Massa, both on the track and in front of journalists.

The Englishman therefore wishes to regain his usual position as No. 1 in the Woking team, and for that, he neither admits to being worried nor defeated: « It doesn’t concern me. Last year, I wasn’t at my best, but under those circumstances, I still beat Jenson 13 times in qualifying, and my performances were on par with the team’s average. When I secured pole, I also don’t think I was at 100% of what I could do, and even less so during the races! », Hamilton noted during an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

According to him, his personal life had gradually taken precedence over his Formula 1 career: « Last year, several things were not in place in my head. I couldn’t sort things out, put each piece of the puzzle in its place… I wasn’t focused on my main goal, and when I was in the car, I wasn’t thinking about the right things and my mind was elsewhere. Too many things had started without finishing and too many questions remained unanswered… At those times, I know I wasn’t performing at my best! »

For 2012, Lewis Hamilton will therefore try to perform better and focus on the Grand Prix and his image on the track: « I feel that I have corrected some bad things within myself. Nothing bothers me now, and I am not putting any additional pressure on myself. »