Abu Dhabi: Jenson Button, winner of the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award on Wednesday night, feels that Formula One is getting more and more competitive.
Speaking after receiving the trophy at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Button stressed the importance of cooperation in winning glory. Button is expected to launch his new partnership with countryman Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain this weekend. Many have already predicted that the relationship between the two Englishmen, who have each won the title over the last two seasons, is not going to be easy.
When asked about it, Button said: "If we fail to work together then we would have no chance of competing against one of the strongest driving line-ups in the sports history."
According to Button it is a must to share information. "It is important to work together as teammates. Formula One is so competitive. You've got Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and we at McLaren. It is going to be a very tough season."
Button went on to even praise Lewis: "I know Lewis very well. He is an exceptional driver. He has achieved a lot in his short career so there is a lot of information that we can now share. We should work well together."
Button has set his sights on a Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. "Looking at the people who are looking for the main male award is phenomenal. It is going to be tough to break into that kind of company. For anyone in motor sport to get close to the likes of Roger Federer and Usain Bolt, with all that they've achieved, is amazing," said Button, who feels that it was a little old, at 30, to be making a breakthrough.
"It is odd to win such an award because I have been around quite a while and this award makes me feel that I have just arrived. I've got a lot of experience, good and bad, and I think that really helped me last season," he said.
