Lewis Hamilton: Button is my best team-mate

Lewis Hamilton insists Jenson Button is the best team-mate he has had in Formula One

The McLaren duo are contesting their second season together, against the backdrop of suggestions last year they do not get on.

But Hamilton, 26, put that one to rest by confirming he rates 2009 world champion Button the bee's knees.

Hamilton, gunning for his second victory of 2011 in this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, said: "To be a good driver, it's not only about speed.

"It's about your presence in the team, the comments you make, your persona and your behaviour when you win and when you lose. Jenson is definitely the best overall package I've been up against."

Hamilton trails Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in the world championship by 34 points. Button is another 13 points behind, in fourth place behind Vettel's partner Mark Webber.

The Red Bull drivers have had their in-house rows but remain a huge obstacle to Hamilton as he seeks to add to his 2008 world crown.

Hamilton admitted: "I have to beat Red Bull. They have the best car.

"The last time I drove at Barcelona, during winter testing, the car had no grip. I've downforce now and I'll be more competitive in the race."

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have transformed the performance of their MP4-26 car in recent weeks.

The team completed fewer laps in winter testing than anyone else due to reliability problems. But Hamilton and Button have finished every race this year.

Hamilton also expects a close battle with local hero Fernando Alonso.

The double world champion finished one place ahead of the Brit in Turkey last time out and the Ferrari star will have the crowd's support in his home race.

Hamilton said: "There's mutual respect between us. He has some serious talent. He's very, very quick but not impossible to beat. No one is."

The McLaren duo will be boosted by more than 10 new upgrades this weekend.

McLaren's engineering director Tim Goss said: "We have about 10-12 upgrades, some of which will be recognisable from the outside and some that will not be."

Vodafone UK is giving all its customers the chance to be at some of Britain's best events, including exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the McLaren Technology Centre and the chance to win tickets to the 2011 Formula One Santander British Grand Prix.

Source: The Sun