Nothing has really changed. We are now full steam ahead. I had dinner with the
team yesterday [Wednesday], and things have never been better. We’re going
from strength to strength. People have ups and downs and it’s no different
to any other experience me and Nico have had in our years racing together.”
The test of how solid their relationship is will come the next time there is
an on-track incident, or when Hamilton feels provoked. However, that is
unlikely to happen in Canada, where he has won three times already.
Button, who had his own disagreements with Hamilton over three seasons
together, including at this race in 2011 when the pair collided, suggested
it was impossible to know how sincere the rapprochement with Rosberg was.
“I’m not sure how much they are going to let you know really,” he said. “It’s
important as drivers and team-mates [not to let your feelings show], because
it causes issues. Words can get taken out of context.
“You’ve got to be very careful with what you say about your team-mate. You
might say it in a jokey way but it’s taken seriously. Even if you’ve had
troubles, you discuss it with each other. Maybe they are fine, maybe they
have sorted it out face to face.”
The 2009 champion, who won his most memorable victory here three years ago,
passing Sebastian Vettel on the last lap, added that there has been “no
progress” over discussions to stay at McLaren next season, but both parties
are believed to be keen on a deal.