McLaren poised to replace Button with Fernando Alonso in 2015 line-up
Tuesday 25 November 2014 17:53, UK
Lewis Hamilton has urged his former team McLaren not to ditch fellow Brit and former World Champion Jenson Button.
Button's future is currently in limbo as McLaren have yet to make a decision on their driver line-up for the next campaign - with him hinting he might quit the sport altogether.
It is understood McLaren are waiting on Fernando Alonso to negotiate his settlement with Ferrari - the Spaniard is leaving the team at the end of the season with two years remaining on his contract.
Until then McLaren have to hold fire on making an announcement, with the choice appearing a straight one as to whether they opt for young gun Kevin Magnussen or the more experienced Button as their second driver.
Hamilton, who partnered Button at McLaren for three years from 2010 to 2012, believes the decision should be a no-brainer decision for group chief executive Ron Dennis.
"Jenson is better than most of the (current) drivers," Hamilton said. "He's a great driver, still one of the strongest drivers here, and he's had an amazing career. He's also a decent guy, so it doesn't correlate.
"If I had a team, I would want him in it because he's a great asset for any team, so I hope it's not the case (he is leaving)."
Hamilton believes McLaren's judgement is clouded by the fact they have been winless for the past two years.
The 29-year-old, who leads the World Championship, added: "He still has plenty of time, given his ability as a driver, to keep racing and winning. He just needs to be given a better car.
"It's not the team need a better driver - there are not many out there. They just need a better car."
Hamilton has found an ally in the 'Keep Button in F1' campaign in the man set to replace the veteran Briton - Alonso.
The double world champion said: "He's a very talented driver, we've seen that throughout his career, and also he's a very nice person.
"We need people like him in F1. I hope he will be here next year."
