Former world champion Jenson Button has voiced concerns about Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari. He sees the coming F1 season as a make-or-break year for his former team-mate. Hamilton made his debut with the Scuderia last year — without success; for the first time in his glittering career the Englishman failed to claim a podium. On top of that, he kept getting knocked out in Q1 during the closing rounds.
During the recent Bahrain test week Jenson Button, speaking for Sky Sports, looked ahead to the new season. Much of the attention fell on his compatriot Lewis Hamilton, who after a disappointing year at Ferrari is hoping for a reversal of fortunes. Button recognises that at 41 Hamilton is not the youngest driver on the grid and therefore needs to get back to the front as quickly as possible. “If it doesn’t happen this year, I don’t know if it will next year,” he warned somberly.
‘Has managed to adapt’
According to the Brit, it isn’t just about results but primarily about influence behind the scenes. “It’s more about whether he’s been able to exert influence on the car itself — that’s what counts.” Button knows from his own experience how tricky a switch to a new team can be, especially when you’re up against a driver who’s already fully integrated into the organisation. “It’s always tough to walk into another team and go up against someone who’s been there for years,” he was referring to Charles Leclerc. “But now he’s had the time to settle in and build strong relationships. You would hope he’s also had significant input into the car’s development and its driving feel.”
With the new regulations, Button views this season as the moment for a turnaround, both for Hamilton and for Ferrari. “It’s an important year for him,” the Brit concluded. “If it doesn’t happen this year, I don’t know if it will next year. This is the perfect chance to change the tide.” At the same time he flagged the wider picture in Maranello: “But also for Ferrari. The past few years haven’t been great for them either, so it would be good to see them back fighting for victories.”
