Button has a 15-point lead over team-mate Rubens Barrichello with three races of the season remaining and a paltry fourth spot could be enough for the Englishman at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix should Barrichello fail to score.
But as the sun set for the last time on an electric Singapore race weekend, Hamilton gave British fans a tantalising glimpse of the treat that awaits them next year by warning Button not to get too comfortable with the No 1 badge.
“This experience for Jenson, if and when he does it, will be great for him,” Hamilton said. “It is character-building. It will be another step in his life and a proud moment for him and his family and I can only wish him all the best. But I look forward to challenging him next year and taking it back.”
Hamilton was also quick to quash rumours that he and Button do not get along after it was pointed out that they hardly looked comfortable in each other’s company after both crashed out on the opening lap in Spa last month. Telegraph.co.uk
“It was nothing to do with that,” said Hamilton. “He was focused on the world championship and he was not happy he had not got his points. We have got a good relationship and respect for each other.”
Now, a man out of the title conundrum — containing Button, Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello and, just, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel — has effectively told him that, even if he wears the crown, it will be for no more than a year.
The wind-up comes from Lewis Hamilton, the world champion and immaculate winner of Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix. He understands what it is like to go into a race knowing that by the end of it you could win the title.
That is the prospect for Button, who arrives in Japan today 15 points ahead of the field before Sunday’s contest in Suzuka, with two further races to come.
“Winning the title is an overwhelming experience. It is a dream you live and breathe day by day. You live to get to here and he is now in a great position to take it.” Daily Mail
For all his positive comments, Hamilton is also more aware than anyone how close a driver can get to the title only to see it snatched from his grasp. In 2007 he went into the last two races with a 17-point lead, but lost out to Kimi Raikkonen, of Ferrari. So his message to Button is “keep pushing” to the end.
“I can only guess what will happen,” Hamilton said. “But I know Jenson has a huge amount of support back home and it’s the same for me. It is going to be great for Britain, for England. They are very proud of their sportspeople back home so it is going to be great for them.”
Hamilton is rightly proud of his performance on the streets of Singapore, which he feels has helped to reinforce his standing as a worthy world champion at the end of a difficult season for him and McLaren. “I am showing that that No 1 was earned,” he said. “It was on my car for a reason. It is a positive feeling to be able to do that.” Times Online
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