‘Hopefully He Wins before Retiring’: Jenson Button Backs Lewis Hamilton for Concerns over Max Verstappen’s Dominance

Age was a major factor in Formula 1 until Fernando Alonso and now Lewis Hamilton changed our perspective. The two old-timers showcased that age is just a number with their incredible performances in 2023 and we can expect the same, if not more, in 2024. Well, at least former world champion Jenson Button does from his former teammate.

Button has always been Lewis Hamilton‘s biggest cheerleader, having seen the talents of the seven-time world champion firsthand. This is exactly why Button has always believed Hamilton still has the pace and talent to beat anyone on the grid, including Max Verstappen. However, he does have his concerns, especially now that Hamilton is closer to 39.

Jenson Button backs Lewis Hamilton despite concerns over Max Verstappen’s dominance

The Red Bull man was faultless in the 2023 season, winning 19 of 22 races. However, this record-breaking dominance from Verstappen is worrisome, according to Button. Speaking to AFP, as quoted by MSN, he expressed, “I have enjoyed the year. Would I like more people winning? Yes of course. But it’s just not happened.”

However, to break this momentum, he has backed Hamilton. Button believes that, given the right tools, Hamilton has the beating of anyone and everyone on the grid.

“Lewis wouldn’t race if he didn’t think he wasn’t good enough,” says Button. “Lewis is definitely good enough to win races and to win a championship — with the right car. Coming up against Max is difficult but if Lewis is in a car that suits him and Max is in a car that suits him… I look forward to that fight. Hopefully, we will see it before Lewis retires. He’s definitely got the ability to do that.”

Read More: “Red Bull Aren’t Standing Still”: Lewis Hamilton & Co. Given Grim Update as Overhaul Project Faces Mighty Risk

We are sure Hamilton has the self-belief and shares this optimism. However, Verstappen’s dominance is concerning for him and even if he gets the right car in 2024, he’s not sure how close he will be to the dominant Red Bull machinery.

Lewis Hamilton expresses concern over the dominant Red Bull machinery heading into the 2024 season

The 2024 season saw some positives for Mercedes with the team back in Brackley walking on a new developmental path. The W14 did perform better after the upgrades introduced in Monaco. However, in the end, they weren’t enough to close the gap to RB19 and Mercedes barely clung onto P2 in the constructor’s championship.

The way Mercedes finished their season was also highly demotivating, especially for Hamilton who struggled throughout the Abu Dhabi GP and finished P9. His post-race comments to Sky Sports, echoed the feeling while he expressed his concern for Red Bull’s dominance in 2024 as well.

When asked if Mercedes could challenge with the W15, Hamilton simply said, “At this moment I don’t really know.”

“For Red Bull to win by 17 seconds in the end and they haven’t even developed their car since August is definitely a concern,” he added. “But we’ve learned a lot about the car and it’s just down to the team now. They know what they need to do. Whether or not we will get there, we will see.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton remains unwavering in his determination to halt Max Verstappen’s dominance, despite enduring significant neglect from the FIA

It is a bit concerning if you are part of any other team apart from Red Bull. However, the Brackley outfit will be working throughout the winter and now with full concentration on the W15. We are all curious to see how they fair in the pre-season test.