Button: Alonso a Tougher Teammate Than Hamilton
Jenson Button compared Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton after racing alongside both at McLaren, saying Alonso was the more relentless challenge.
Jenson Button has said that Fernando Alonso was a harder teammate to beat than Lewis Hamilton, reflecting on his experience racing alongside both world champions during his time at McLaren.
Button spent three seasons sharing a garage with Hamilton from 2010 to 2012, a period in which both drivers took wins and the intra-team rivalry was closely watched. In 2015, Button was joined by Alonso as McLaren switched to Honda power, giving him a rare perspective on two of Formula One’s most decorated drivers.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi at the close of the 2015 season, Button said Alonso’s approach made him the more difficult teammate to face. Button described Alonso as an “incredibly complete driver in the race” who never allowed a moment’s respite, regardless of track position. He contrasted this with Hamilton, who he said could be unbeatable on his day but sometimes lacked consistency from race to race.
Alonso's relentless racecraft
Button’s remarks highlight the different pressures teammates can face from drivers of this calibre. While Hamilton’s raw pace and ability to dominate a weekend are well established, Button pointed to Alonso’s constant presence and tactical awareness as especially challenging over a season. Even when not in the fastest car, Alonso’s tenacity meant he was always in contention, forcing teammates to remain alert throughout a Grand Prix.
Hamilton's highs and lows
Button also acknowledged Hamilton’s ability to be “invincible” at times, but said there were weekends when his performance level dropped unexpectedly. This inconsistency, Button suggested, made Hamilton a less predictable but sometimes less relentless teammate than Alonso.
Button’s unique vantage point has often been referenced in debates about the greatest drivers of the era. For more on how insiders rate Alonso and Hamilton, see Briatore: Alonso and Hamilton Outclass Vettel Despite Titles
