Alonso more of a challenge than Hamilton was-Button

As ever, in the face of such adversity, some men rise to the challenge, and Button admits to being impressed by Alonso, more so than his previous teammate, three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“Having an experienced teammate is also exciting because when you do get to go out in qualifying together, or race together, at least you have the fight, in our situation”, he said.

“But personally I think it was necessary, a step forward in my career after two championships and after five fantastic seasons fighting for the world championship but fighting for second”.

As such McLaren-Honda head into the season finale ninth place in the championship with just 27 points to their tally.

“I enjoy working with McLaren, with Honda, and the Japanese discipline and culture in the team”.

Looking ahead, Alonso said it was impossible to forecast results in 2016, but felt certain that the once-imperious McLaren team could re-gain a good level of competitive performance.

The Spaniard has struggled to compete this season with not a single podium finish to his name and just 11 points on the board in the Drivers’ Championship.

“In a race, it’s a bigger challenge, I would say, a more consistent challenge”, Button said of Alonso compared to Hamilton.

“It is always hard to know in the complex world of F1”.

“It seems positive. I’m confident it will be a completely different season next year and I’m happy with the progress”.

“On some race days, Lewis was untouchable”, said Button.

Button remains the only team mate to have beaten Hamilton over a season, finishing second in 2011 when the younger Briton ended up fifth. On race day, however, the scoreline was closer with Button scoring 15 more points over the period – although Hamilton won more races and finished ahead more often when both cars finished.

“If he’s in front of you you’re holding on, and if he’s behind you he’s pushing you along”. That’s great, though, I like that.

He added: “There are a lot of expectations in the team and l think for 2016 the main goal is to come back to where we belong, fighting for top positions”.

“But our minds are on next year’s project and probably half of the auto is next year’s parts and philosophy as well so I think we are not too anxious about beating Sauber this weekend or not”.