Jenson Button reflects on the 'special' challenge of being Lewis Hamilton's teammate

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button says his primary motivation for joining McLaren in 2010 was the unique challenge of competing directly against Lewis Hamilton, describing the experience as so significant that beating him felt "almost like winning a world championship." The 2009 title winner viewed the partnership as a necessary new test after his championship success with Brawn GP.

Why it matters:

Button's candid reflection offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion driver seeking to prove himself against another generational talent. His decision, made against the advice of his former boss Ross Brawn, underscores the intense personal drivers that shape career moves in F1 beyond just competitive machinery. It highlights the immense respect and unique pressure that exists when two world champions share a garage.

The details:

• Button joined McLaren as the reigning world champion in 2010, partnering with the then-reigning 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton for three seasons.
• He revealed that Ross Brawn, his team principal during the 2009 title-winning year, advised him that moving to McLaren was a "mistake."
• Despite the advice, Button was fully committed, stating he went in "with both feet" and ultimately enjoyed the dynamic of the partnership.
• He emphasized the profound satisfaction of winning a race against Hamilton in equal equipment, a feat he acknowledges didn't happen often but was "very special" when it did.
• Button also expressed great respect for both Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, praising their impressive work ethic and approach both inside and outside the car.

What's next:

Now retired from professional racing since the end of the 2025 World Endurance Championship season, Button has shifted his focus. He cites a desire to spend more time with family and a newfound availability to engage with Formula 1 in a different capacity. His diverse post-F1 racing career, which included series in Japan, NASCAR, and endurance events, fulfilled his identity as a "racing driver" rather than just an F1 driver, allowing him to step away on his own terms.