Jenson Button has defended Lewis Hamilton over the criticism his McLaren team-mate has received during a turbulent season.
Former champion says Hamilton just loves to drive fast
Jenson Button has defended Lewis Hamilton over the criticism his McLaren team-mate has received during a turbulent season.
Hamilton has endured an accident-strewn campaign and goes into this weekend's Italian Grand Prix with a score to settle.
In crashing out in the Belgian Grand Prix 13 days ago, the 26-year-old took his tally to six in races this season while he's also been to see the stewards on numerous occasions to explain himself.
On Thursday, Hamilton said he was having "just one of those years", but also suggested he had become "an easy target", as he is "always in trouble".
Assessing his fellow Briton, Button believes he is no different to the driver he worked alongside for the first time last season upon joining the team.
Button said: "Lewis is Lewis. I don't think he's changed this year from last year.
"He's just an extremely fast driver who loves overtaking. I don't really know what else to say about Lewis."
In terms of dealing with their issues, the duo do differ, with Button cooler, more relaxed, whilst Hamilton can occasionally let his emotions get the better of him.
Case in point this season was Hamilton's 'maybe it's because I'm black' jibe towards the stewards following his Monaco Grand Prix misdemeanours, a joke that badly backfired.
Different methods
Button insists it is a matter of 'each to their own' in terms of how they deal with situations.
"We're very different people. Lewis is more outspoken, but is that wrong? I don't know," added Button.
"It's sometimes good to get your points across. If you have an issue with something, you have to let people know. We're just different people in that respect.
"I personally feel it's better to talk to the team than through the media, but it's just how we're built. We're built differently.
"We're both very passionate about racing, but maybe it comes across in different ways."
