Button’s worrying over lagging behind Hamilton may lead to “downward spiral”: Coulthard

LONDON - Reigning Formula One champion Jenson Button has been advised by his friend David Coulthard that he should not panic if he has to spend half of the season behind teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Coulthard said that Button has to guard against a “downward spiral” as he learns the ropes at McLaren while competing against Hamilton, who’s been there for a decade.

Button had a disappointing first test with the team, where he was more than half a second slower than Hamilton, largely because of annoying seat problems.

“McLaren will supply equal opportunity in terms of machinery. Whether they can make both drivers feel equally loved is more difficult to achieve,” The Mirror quoted Coulthard, as saying.

“If Jenson can match the pace of Lewis there won’t be a problem. If Jenson is struggling by half a tenth of a second, psychologically that is him losing. He will be on a downward spiral,” he added.

Coulthard also praised Button’s decision to take on Hamilton, and said: “I’d expect Lewis to have the upper hand in the early part of the year. But it’s a great chance for Jenson to show he’s a great driver and a worthy champion.” (ANI)