Bernie Ecclestone thinks the world will see a new Jenson Button in 2013
But F1 boss predicts title fight will be between Red Bull and Ferrari
By William Esler. Last Updated: March 14, 2013 5:31am
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Bernie Ecclestone thinks F1 will see a new Jenson Button in 2013 following the departure of Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.
Whilst the Woking-based team insist that they do not operate a number one policy, the most experienced man on the grid is widely expected to lead the team this season, as Sergio Perez only has two years of F1 under his belt.
Having been part of the McLaren family since he was 13 years old, McLaren were perceived as being 'Hamilton's team' when Button joined for the 2010 campaign and Ecclestone thinks the 2009 World Champion will relish the chance to make the squad his own.
"I think it will be good for Jenson, as he will now feel that he is in charge, whereas before he might have thought that he was 'number two'," Ecclestone told the official Formula 1 website.
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"Now he is 'number one' and we will very likely see a different Jenson. That might be good for him."
However, despite predicating a rejuvenated Button, Ecclestone thinks the title fight will be between Red Bull and Ferrari.
"I very recently spoke to (Ferrari team principal) Stefano (Domenicali) who was in London to see me and he said that he still expects Red Bull to be the danger for them," he said.
"And I agree: they are - and they are super competitive. And from Red Bull's point of view their biggest competitor will be Ferrari."
Jenson Button
Sergio Perez
Lewis Hamilton
Fernando Alonso
Sebastian Vettel
