McLaren unveils Hamilton, Button and new car
Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button unveiled McLaren's car for the Formula One season Friday in their first public appearance as teammates.
Button's MP4-25 car is adorned with the No. 1, and he seemed to take the upper-hand at the launch despite the presence of the 25-year-old Hamilton, who won the 2008 championship.
``You never know what to expect going into a new team, not knowing what the atmosphere will be,'' said Button, who won last year's title with Brawn. ``I've been pleasantly surprised.''
Both Button and Hamilton are eager to forget the 2009 season - for very different reasons.
While Button doesn't want to dwell on ending his long wait for a first title, Hamilton had a difficult third season, finishing 46 points behind his new teammate.
``After the last race you think about what you have achieved and it goes through your mind, the road to becoming world champion, but soon after that you start forgetting because you are already focused on 2010 and the new challenge,'' Button said. ``We need to start forgetting about last year ... and start looking to the future.''
Hamilton, who won the title in his second season in F1, is hoping the improvements in downforce and aero efficiency will allow him to challenge for the championship again this season.
``I'm sure it's going to handle completely differently to last year's car,'' Hamilton said. ``I hope so.''
Testing will begin next week, and each driver will have seven days in the car ahead of the season-opening race in Bahrain.
