Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button says Lewis Hamilton is ‘more complete’ than ‘naturally gifted’ Max Verstappen who has racing ‘in his blood’.
The 2009 title winner raced alongside Hamilton for three years at McLaren, and also faced off against both of Verstappen’s parents.
getty
World champion Button has raced against many of F1’s greats
Getty
And gave his thoughts about who the best driver on the grid currently is
Button also has experience driving against world champion Verstappen during his first years in F1, and gave his insight on the differences between the two.
Verstappen took his maiden title last season in a championship bout for the ages where the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers battled all season.
Hamilton and his Dutch rival headed into the final race level on points before Verstappen claimed the title in jaw-dropping fashion on the final lap of the season.
It was the first time Verstappen had been able to fight Hamilton in competitive machinery, but Button isn’t too sure that ends any debate about who is better.
Asked about Verstappen, Button told Sky Sports: “Naturally gifted? yes Is he the best? I don’t know if he’s the best driver that has ever lived or the best in F1 now.
“When you look at Lewis, you think he is a much more complete racing driver with a lot more experience, maybe that’s why.
live
Australian Grand Prix 2022 date: UK start time, standings, schedule and how to follow
info
Formula 1 2022 schedule: Full race calendar, results and championship odds
points
Formula 1 2022 standings: Leclerc top but Verstappen closes gap, Hamilton fifth
huge
Red Bull Porsche and Audi McLaren – F1 faces momentous changes with VW set to enter
History
Verstappen and Leclerc’s rivalry dates back 2012 race where both were disqualified
SPEAK OUT
Hamilton opens up on mental health and says he has ‘stuggled for a long time’
Getty
Verstappen has a new challenger in the shape of Charles Leclerc, and will need to keep pushing hard
“Hey [Verstappen] has got to work hard. Even if you think you’re the best, there’s still more you can do to be better. That’s where Michael Schumacher was so strong.”
One man who raced against both Button and Schumacher is Verstappen’s father Jos, who is now regularly seen supporting his son at race weekends.
Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, was also a professional racer who Button also battled against.
“When you look at Max’s parents, his dad raced in F1,” Button explained. “I raced against his dad and my first points finish was in Brazil in my second race. To get that point, I had to overtake his dad, Jos.
Getty
Jos never fought for championships but has plenty of respect from those who raced against him
“You didn’t want to get him upset. There was a little bit of aggression there.
“He was an amazing talent, one of the best kart drivers ever, and still probably to this day. And his mother, Sophie, I was teammates with her in karting.
“She was a professional and one of the best in the world, so it’s definitely in the blood.”
Betting Offer Of The Day
888sport: Get 6/1 Man City to win or 80/1 Atletico to win – CLAIM HERE
Deposit min £/$/€10 using promo code 888ODDS • Bet up to £/$/€5 on your selection at normal odds in the regular market • If your selection wins, we’ll pay you out at the normal price and any extra winnings from the advertised enhanced price will be paid to you in Free Bets • Free Bets are granted within 72 hours and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes are not included in returns • Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods and countries & Full T&C’s apply 18+ begambleaware.org
