F1 world champion highlights differences between Verstappen and Hamilton

It is now clear that the title fight this season is likely to be contested between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Verstappen’s main goal will be to steal as many points as possible from the papaya team.

Recently, Button was asked how the two McLaren drivers compare to each other — and to Verstappen:  "I think Lando and Oscar are both in it," the former world champion said on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X. "They both have very different personalities."

Button noted that Norris can sometimes be his own worst enemy. "He is incredibly fast, but when he makes a small mistake... he thinks about it too much."

His teammate, according to Button, is the exact opposite: "Oscar is very down-to-earth, he just wants to race, drive hard — and he does that very well."

The 2009 World Champion has already stated that he believes Verstappen is the best driver on the grid. He reaffirmed this during the interview: "Yes, I think he is the most versatile F1 driver there has ever been," he said.

However, Button admitted that Verstappen still lacks a few championships compared to Lewis Hamilton. "I think Lewis is very good, and one of the best in the world. But Max just has something that allows him to do things with a car that, in my opinion, no one else can."

Having been Hamilton’s teammate for over three years, Button witnessed the Brit’s talent up close and had only praise for the seven-time world champion: "Such extreme talent, and what a career he's clearly had. I'm not sure if anyone will break his records," he said about Hamilton.

But he added: "When I think of the present time, I feel that Max can get more out of the car than anyone else."