Hamilton and Button calm talk of simmering rivalry
MCLAREN team-mates and world championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have laughed off suggestions their rivalry is about to erupt at this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
The English pair go into Sunday’s race at Silverstone locked in a fierce battle for the title,
with Hamilton top of the standings and Button second.
Former champion Damon Hill believes the competitive tension between the pair is already at a “simmer” and is soon going to “boil over”.
But the colleagues put on a united front yesterday, making light of Hill’s remarks and
joking with each other about their supposed conflict.
Button said: “We are both very competitive and we both want to win, but as we keep
saying, first of all you have to work together. For me it is a good relationship. I am sure it is going to continue. If you are both quick you are going to be racing wheel-to-wheel.”
Hamilton joked that their camaraderie was a sham, adding: “We’re just great actors. We’re going for the Oscars next year – I’ll be going to Bollywood, Jenson’s going to Hollywood.”
Both men are desperate to win on home soil, with Hamilton rating the experience almost as highly as winning the championship, and Button longing for a first victory in his native country.
But even the more cavalier Hamilton, who boasts a six-point lead over Button, insists he would not put his race on the line if he is trailing his team-mate in the closing stages.
“I think the important thing to remember is that the championship won’t be won or lost on Sunday,” said the 2008 champion.
“It’s not the end of the world if you don’t win. It’s our home grand prix so it’s special but in terms of the championship it’s just another race, so I don’t think its necessary to do anything silly on the last lap.”
Button added: “If we’re first and second I think it’s great for the British Grand Prix but we both want to win – that’s what we’re here for – and we will always fight to be the best.”