Button believes in Hamilton: 'It will put a lot of pressure on Russell'

Jenson Button, former world champion, knows how it feels. He too was once in a car (from Brawn GP) that seemed unbeatable for some time. Towards the end of his career, he drove for McLaren, which at the time was unreliable and had a poor performing Honda Power Unit. "It is something we all go through at some point in our career," Button told Sky Sports.

Reason for retirement

"It's a reason why a lot of people retire; 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 'I've had enough and I want to get out'," the pundit said.

Button also realised that Mercedes have given Hamilton a winning car for years. For the first time since joining F1, Hamilton didn't get a Grand Prix victory in a season. "But the car did win a race last year so you would say at the end of the year they were strong. I think Lewis was on it, his performances were very consistent through mid to end of the season. Very very quick. I think he will start this year flat out, he will be on it from the word go. I look forward to seeing that. It will put a lot of pressure on Russell but it's a good pairing."