Button surprised by Hamilton comments

Jenson Button says McLaren is 'such an open, friendly team'
14 March 2013

Jenson Button has been left stunned by former team-mate Lewis Hamilton's veiled criticism of life at McLaren.

Since moving to Mercedes at the start of the year Hamilton has revelled in freedoms he says were not prevalent at McLaren, a team where he spent 13 years, the last six of those in Formula One. Earlier this week, he said: "I have come from a place with a lot of control, a really controlled environment where you are restricted to do and say what you are told."

Although McLaren's image of being staid and corporate has changed markedly since Ron Dennis stepped down as team principal a few years ago, that perception remains in the eyes of some. When asked about Hamilton's remarks, Button said: "Yeah, I was very surprised to hear that. The freedom you have in this team is phenomenal, and that doesn't just go for me."

He added: "In this team you have to work, probably harder than you would at other teams, at sponsor requests and what have you. This is an F1 team that is not a mass-production manufacturer. For a team like McLaren you need big sponsors to exist in this sport.

"You need to understand that initially when I came to this team it was a shock, it really was, after winning the world championship [with Brawn in 2009].

"At Brawn there were six sponsor events throughout the year, but here it is so much busier. I went 'Wow! Really?' But you learn to understand, you learn to adapt and realise it is part of this job, and you need that to succeed.

"It is not about just working with the sponsor, it is about doing a great job with the sponsor because you want them to work with you for a long time, you want to move forward with them.

"So I understand from that point of view it is very busy here, your time is restricted because you are flying around, travelling more and doing more sponsor events. But in terms of what you can do as a driver, and the way a driver can help the development of a car, this team is amazing.

"I feel you have so much freedom and so much help if you need it, and whatever your issues are you get help here. I've heard so many rumours - and not Lewis as such - and read so much in the media about the way this team is, and it's so far from the truth.

"It is such an open team, a friendly team, and a team that will do anything to help you."

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