Button feeling settled at McLaren

A relaxed Jenson Button heads into the new Formula One season with a feeling of being "at home" with McLaren after just two months.

That is despite the additional duties the reigning world champion has had to undertake at a team renowned for its public relations exercises with their sponsors.

It is also despite the pressure Button was expected to face from team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who is very much a part of the fixtures and fittings at McLaren.

Instead, the two Britons appear to be developing a friendship, not just a driver relationship, which was evident at a karting event this week for the British written media.

They appeared relaxed in each other's company, and as colleagues on the same karting team - McLaren were never going to let them be on opposing sides - they naturally wanted to win, which they duly did.

Standing on the top step of the podium alongside side one another, Button certainly did not appear to be out of place.

"Change is difficult for all of us, but it's also exciting," said Button, who has made no secret of his desire to challenge himself after winning the world title five months ago.

"I didn't really know what to expect coming into a new team after being with the same team for seven years.

"But I've spent so much time at the factory, more than I have in any of my previous years in racing.

"I've really got to know people, and it's been really good. There is a great atmosphere within this team.

"I think they're very excited Lewis and myself have both achieved so much in the sport, and now we're racing together under the same roof, there's a real buzz about the place.

"So I feel very at home after two months, which is crazy to say, but I do, and I now go to the first race ready to put in a good performance."

The curtain-raiser to the season is next Sunday in Bahrain when we will be given an insight as to whether Button has what it takes to challenge Hamilton.

The 30-year-old, however, is adamant one grand prix will not pre-determine the rest of the campaign.

"You always go into a team thinking you're equal to the best in the world," added Button.

"Nobody ever knows until you race against other drivers who are competitive.

"But I'm not going into the first race thinking 'If he beats me in this race, that's it, it's game over,'

"Nor am I thinking if I beat him 'Yay, that's it, I've won the championship.'

"It's not like that. It's a 19-race series, a long championship, and we will see what happens."

Button carries with him into the season the tag of being the world champion, and in a McLaren that this year appears as if it will be a genuine title contender, he is not ruling out the prospect of back-to-back titles.

"Winning the championship makes you stronger, more confident in your ability and as a person, knowing you've achieved what you set out to do," remarked Button.

"Now I can say that anything else, in a way, is a bonus.

"I'm also more relaxed, but in a good way, because you can be relaxed in a bad way.

"You've achieved what you wanted to achieve, so you sit back and relax, and I'm relaxed in a positive way.

"But it's not like I'm not pushing for this year. I'm more excited about this season than I ever have been about any F1 season, even last season."