Whitmarsh: “Hamilton destroyed Alonso but underestimated Button”

Lewis Hamilton "destroyed" Fernando Alonso in 2007 when he made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 but underestimated his current McLaren teammate, Jenson Button. Woking team boss Martin Whitmarsh is convinced of this, admitting that Hamilton has had an unusually subdued season this year.

“Lewis expects more from himself and the world expects more from Lewis. There will be a lot more to happen in his life,” he said.

At the same time Button surprised by beating his teammate this year: “Jenson…is someone who is easily underestimated. Sometimes this could be a concern if you don't know him well, but I have to say that I know him much better now. Lewis probably underestimated him initially too. Lewis, during his career, destroyed every one of his teammates. Bear in mind that in many ways he virtually destroyed Fernando Alonso when Fernando was a two-time world champion and Lewis a rookie."