Hamilton’s McLaren exit would fuel his chances of winning next season’s world title: Button

London: Formula One ace Jenson Button reckons he will have his best chance of adding to his 2009 world title next season, now Lewis Hamilton has quit McLaren.

The Brit won the drivers’ championship in 2009 with Brawn GP, netting him a big move to McLaren where he partnered Hamilton for three years. But because the two drivers where so evenly matched, Button says it meant they were constantly taking points from each other, The Sun reports. “Yeah, definitely. I am sure Checo is going to score points, but when you compare it to Lewis and I, when you look at the three years together, there has not been a massive amount of points difference between us. That means we are taking points off each other as well,” Button said. “Over the three years, I think Lewis has 10 points more than me. It’s been pretty close and we have had similar failures as well. I don’t know what to expect next season with Checo but yes, each year you are in the sport, you get more experience,” he added. Sergio Perez, or Checo as he likes to be known, has been appointed as Hamilton’s replacement at McLaren and Button is likely to be asked to play a role in helping him develop into a race-winning driver, a role that the 32-year-old is looking forward to. “I’m looking forward to next season. It is a position I have enjoyed in the past with previous teams. I feel my position is not just about driving the car or working the team, it is making sure we develop the car in the right way,” he said. “Giving my feedback and being a real team player is a massive part of the team not just a driver. That is very exciting for me and how you get a team behind you to win a world championship,” he added. “That’s really important for a driver to succeed. It’s not just about driving fast, it is playing your part in the team and keeping everyone positive and motivated. I think there is a lot more to achieve with this team and, in the position I am in next year, it really excites me,” he concluded. ANI