Lewis Hamilton has warned Jenson Button to expect the unexpected after taking up the mantle as the new Formula One world champion.
Hamilton’s reign came to an end on Sunday as Button’s fifth-placed finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix was enough to see him crowned.
The 29-year-old is Britain’s 10th world champion, following in the footsteps of the likes of Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, and of course, Hamilton.
It is also the first time in 40 years Britain has enjoyed back-to-back success since Hill and Stewart in 1968 and 1969, although no Briton has ever successfully defended the crown.
Whilst naturally urging Button to slowly savour the moment, the 24-year-old also knows just what the demands of being world champion can bring.
“Becoming world champion is a strange and unreal feeling,” remarked Hamilton.
“I heard on Sunday Jenson kept on saying “I’m champion, I’m world champion”, and I kind of knew exactly what he meant.”
“It’s all too much to take in at once, especially in one day. For me, I still don’t really think of myself as world champion. Of course, when I first saw the number one on my car, it really meant something.” Daily Mail
“My only advice for Jenson would be to let it slowly sink in, and to enjoy it,” said Hamilton. “Being champion will pull you in directions you hadn’t previously thought about, and it’s all about resetting your balance, finding calmness and refocusing for the new challenges ahead. But it’s also an incredibly uplifting feeling, a total relief and it brings something special to your life.”
He added: “You couldn’t really have asked for Jenson to do any more this season. He’s won six races and he’s always been in control of himself and been a great asset for the Brawn GP team.”
“He will make a great champion.”
Hamilton is rightly proud of the fact he and Button continue to keep the motor sport flag flying for Britain. The Press Association
The McLaren star is looking to maintain the fight at the front he has enjoyed with Button throughout the second half of this year into next season, with the hope the title remains in this country.
“He knows I’ve been supporting him all year, and I’ve seen him and given him my congratulations,” added Hamilton.
“I’ve been saying for months he’d be a worthy world champion, and I think he’ll be a great ambassador for our sport.
“It’s great the title will stay in Great Britain for another year.
“I’d like to think we’ll both be up there next year fighting alongside each other to ensure we keep bringing it back home to home soil.”
Before then, Hamilton is expecting a great showdown with a now stress-free Button in the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
“He’ll go to Abu Dhabi with that weight off his shoulders and ready to make a real race of it,” insisted Hamilton.
“It would be fantastic for Britain if we could get a great double result at the last race of the season.” Daily Record
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