© Finn Pomeroy for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
2009 F1 champion Jenson Button says he expects his former team-mate Lewis Hamilton to “be on it from the word go” in 2023.
After a difficult year, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are entering the 2023 season hoping to get back back into the title fight.
While talking to Sky Sports, Lewis’ former team-mate Jenson Button said he believes Lewis will be on top of his game this year.
“Mercedes have given him a winning car for so many years,” Button said on Sky Sports News.
“Last year they obviously didn’t, but the car did win a race, so you’d say at the end of the year, they were strong.
“And I think Lewis was on it. His performances were very consistent through mid to end of season, very, very quick.
“I think he’ll start this year flat out. He’s going to be on it from the word go. I look forward to seeing that.
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“It’s going to put a lot of pressure on George Russell, but I think it’s a good pairing and I look forward to that fight.”
Since Lewis’ current Mercedes contract will expire at the end of 2022, many observers have started speculating on when he might decide to retire.
Button thinks this decision becomes easier when you don’t have a car capable of winning.
“It’s something we all go through at some point in our career and it’s a reason a lot of people retire – because they’re not in a winning car anymore.
“That’s why I left. You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under and the calendar if you’re in a winning car.
“When you’re not, it’s like, ‘you know what, I’ve had enough, I want to get out’,” the Briton concluded.
