Jenson Button Rates Verstappen as More Daunting Opponent than Hamilton in F1’s RB19 Battle

Former F1 champion Jenson Button has expressed his opinion, favoring Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton in terms of racing fear factor in the current RB19. Button credits the car’s design and Verstappen’s adaptability for this edge.

Key Takeaways:

• Jenson Button’s Insight: Jenson Button, who teamed with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, acknowledged Hamilton’s past challenge with world champion teammates. Yet, he stated that racing against Max Verstappen in the RB19 would be more intimidating, citing the car’s design and Verstappen’s adaptability.
• Hamilton vs. Verstappen Teammate Debate: Hamilton recently signed a two-year contract with Mercedes and argued that he faced tougher competition from his teammates compared to Verstappen’s relatively easier path. This comparison sparked a debate in the F1 community.
• Red Bull’s Technological Edge: Button, the 2009 world champion, expressed his wish for more competition at the forefront of races but acknowledged Red Bull’s superior technology and performance in the current season.

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion and former teammate of Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, has recently shared his thoughts on the current dynamics within Formula 1, particularly regarding the comparison between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Button’s comments were made during an interview with Sky Sports News, where he reflected on his experiences racing with Hamilton and observing Verstappen’s performance.

Button stated, “I think Lewis has had some very tough team-mates. He’s had World Champions as team-mates, whereas Max hasn’t.” This remark came after Hamilton, having secured his future with Mercedes for two more years, claimed that he faced stiffer internal competition throughout his career than Verstappen. Hamilton’s statement sparked a broad debate, with many experts weighing in.

Despite acknowledging Hamilton’s history of strong teammates, Button emphasized a different perspective, focusing on the unique advantages Max Verstappen enjoys with the RB19. Button mentioned, “But for me, I would be more fearful going up against Max in the same car – and I think it is because the car is designed around his style, or he can drive a car that Adrian Newey gives him.” He continued to elaborate on Verstappen’s exceptional adaptability to the RB19’s design, something he credits to chief designer Adrian Newey’s engineering prowess.

The conversation with Button extended beyond comparing teammates to the broader competitive landscape in Formula 1. Button expressed his desire for more competition at the front of the grid, particularly among drivers like Max, Lewis, and Fernando Alonso. However, he acknowledged the reality of Formula 1 being a technology race, where Red Bull currently holds an advantage.

Button’s comments offer a unique perspective into the highly competitive world of Formula 1, highlighting the nuances of driver skill, car design, and team dynamics that contribute to the sport’s excitement and unpredictability.