Hill expects Hamilton to bounce back

Former world champion Damon Hill believes that both drivers have a strong chance of grabbing the title this year on the back of an encouraging start to the campaign.

And although Hill reckons that Hamilton can make up the ground he has lost in the opening four races, he thinks it will not be easy to overcome a driver as on-form as Button.

Speaking at the opening of the new Silverstone Arena circuit about the possibility of seeing a British world champion again this year, Hill said: "There's definitely a good chance.

"They have two very different styles. In terms of their respective styles of driving, it is a little bit like having [Alain] Prost and [Ayrton] Senna in the same team. I think they get on better together than the other two did - thankfully.

"But in terms of their style, Jenson has the kind of style which shows he is maturing in his driving. He now doesn't need to prove he can win races and championships, and he is starting to enjoy himself. When you get someone in that zone they can be quite impenetrable.

"I sense that Lewis feels a little bit frustrated, that he has had a bit of bad luck in a couple of races. But he will definitely be back in the frame very soon."

Hill also believes that the intelligence of both drivers gained through years of racing in junior categories has helped them form a strong bond together at McLaren, rather than trying to work against each other.

"They've been around in the same arena, so they understand the game very well, and they're both sportsmen," he said. "They want to win, but they're guys who have their heads on straight. They know what it's all about."