Motor Sport:Jenson Button is ready to bare his teeth in an effort to retain his Formula One world title after revelling in the role of underdog. The critics had a field day when Button joined McLaren, suggesting he had bitten off more than he could chew in taking on 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton, a driver ingrained into the team.
But the 30-year-old has so far had the last laugh, surprising many by winning two grands prix with a combination of perfectly-executed judgment calls and his smooth, incomparable style behind the wheel.
It means Button has a 10-point lead in the standings, which serves as a significant tonic to himself and the team as they are totally aware they have not been at their best, and as a warning to their rivals.
So now, heading into the fifth race of the season with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on Sunday, Button feels it is time to put the hammer down and press on with his ambition of winning back-to-back world titles.
“It was amazing to win the world championship and come into a team as the underdog,” said Button. “It was a great position to be in because you were new to the team, the new boy, even though you have had 10 years of experience.
“So in the first four races I was very relaxed, and I didn’t really have a goal of where I wanted to be after those races. My goal was to make sure I felt at home within this team and that was the most important thing for me.
“So it has been a great four months, but I am still not 100 per cent in the car. There are still things we are working on to suit my style, which takes a bit of time, but we are getting there.
“Overall I am pretty happy with where I am, but I know I cannot rest. It is flat out from here on because it could quickly turn around.”
Crucial for Button is he now has the experience of being able to cope with the pressure, as happened last season with Brawn GP when he saw his lead erode after winning six of the first seven races.
“Last year in the middle of the season it was very tough for me,” added Button. “We had a situation where the car didn’t really work in cool conditions, and I struggled even more because of the way I drive.
“So it was a tough time, but I think getting through that tough time really does help you when you start a new season in a new environment and are out of your comfort zone. But I don’t think I could have wished for any more after four races this season.
“Yes, you always want to have a perfect weekend, you always want to have a perfect season and the first race for me (in Bahrain) wasn’t a very good race. It was a difficult one for me, one I still regret but that is the way I am.
“Within a championship year, when you are fighting for the title, not all races are good, so you have to try to forget the bad ones and concentrate on the good ones. So heading into the next weekend, you come into it more confident and more relaxed, and right now I don’t feel under pressure at all. I feel great.”