Button: 'Only these three drivers could challenge Hamilton'

Although Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has already signed up for next year, Jenson Button can't help thinking about the best possible second driver to challenge his former teammate Lewis Hamilton, this in a conversation with Motorsport.com.

The reign of Lewis Hamilton will continue until he has a teammate who challenges him, Button predicts. Button also sees clearly that Bottas is not up to the task: “Valtteri comes close in qualifying and at times manages to overcome him, but in the race pace, he is nowhere near Lewis."

So in theory, who would be the ideal teammate for Hamilton? Button nominates three: “Max [Verstappen], Charles [Leclerc] and Daniel [Ricciardo]. For me, these are the ones who could. I would like to see Daniel against Lewis because I think he would be able to put up a good challenge."

Button not only appreciates Ricciardo for his racing talents but his always cheerful attitude could be disarming and put Hamilton out of his concentration: "He would be quick and he would be laughing at everything, he would be relaxed. His personality is something that affects most drivers."