Publications
Partners
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium - Martin Whitmarsh has suggested that if Jenson Button doesn't perform well at this weekend's Belgian F1 GP he might be asked to support Lewis Hamilton in his race for World title glory.
Button, 32, won the season's first race in Australian but has had a difficult first half of the season with McLaren struggling to get to grips with the Pirelli rubber. He was second in Germany and sixth in Hungary before the summer break but is till 78 points behind championship leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and 31 behind his McLaren team mate, and fourth-placed Hamilton.
'MUST BE MEASURED'
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh insists that each driver will get the same treatment in the next few races but accepted that it was perhaps only a matter of time before the team concentrated its efforts on Hamilton's title challenge. "There may well come a point (when Button might have to support Hamilton)," said Whitmarsh, "but with nine races to go and 25 points per race things can change quite quickly.
"We must be measured when we talk to the drivers about when they put their support behind another driver."
Given Button's improved performance at Hockenheim and at the Hungaroring before the five-week hiatus, Whitmarsh insisted the 2009 champion would be given every opportunity to win the next few races. "I think the good news is that both drivers will be trying to win. Jenson had some strong showings before the break and is a very intelligent driver.
"Jenson is a winner. He and Lewis have a great relationship but Jenson will try to beat Lewis this weekend."
What's your take on the situation? Tell us through the Readers' Comments section below.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2012 Belgian F1 weekend.
Button, 32, won the season's first race in Australian but has had a difficult first half of the season with McLaren struggling to get to grips with the Pirelli rubber. He was second in Germany and sixth in Hungary before the summer break but is till 78 points behind championship leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and 31 behind his McLaren team mate, and fourth-placed Hamilton.
'MUST BE MEASURED'
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh insists that each driver will get the same treatment in the next few races but accepted that it was perhaps only a matter of time before the team concentrated its efforts on Hamilton's title challenge. "There may well come a point (when Button might have to support Hamilton)," said Whitmarsh, "but with nine races to go and 25 points per race things can change quite quickly.
"We must be measured when we talk to the drivers about when they put their support behind another driver."
Given Button's improved performance at Hockenheim and at the Hungaroring before the five-week hiatus, Whitmarsh insisted the 2009 champion would be given every opportunity to win the next few races. "I think the good news is that both drivers will be trying to win. Jenson had some strong showings before the break and is a very intelligent driver.
"Jenson is a winner. He and Lewis have a great relationship but Jenson will try to beat Lewis this weekend."
What's your take on the situation? Tell us through the Readers' Comments section below.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2012 Belgian F1 weekend.