Button backs "extraordinary" Hamilton to clinch record-breaking eighth F1 title in 2021

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has tipped Lewis Hamilton to set a new Formula 1 benchmark and secure his eighth drivers' title in 2021.

Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher's haul of seven championships with an incredible victory in the Turkish Grand Prix held under the most difficult of conditions.

Button has now dismissed any suggestion Hamilton will step away from the sport and has instead backed his former McLaren team-mate to immediately add to his tally.

"He wants to win more championships than everyone else, I'm sure," he told Sky Sports. "Every driver would love that.

"Drivers always say 'We don't look at numbers, we don't compare' but you are always going to compare yourself against Michael Schumacher when you have the same amount of world titles.

"Those two are extraordinary individuals, very different in their personality from the way they go racing but equally as talented. Lewis is in the right place to beat Michael's record and I really do think he will next year.

"Then the regulations change in 2022 and that's when it gets really exciting, to see where that takes him and Mercedes for the future."

Button suggested Hamilton will arrive at the beginning of next season more prepared than ever but pointed to the major regulations changes in 2022 as the season he will be most excited about.

"For next year, it is the same thing for any racing driver," he explained. "You want to be more prepared than you were the previous season so I am sure he is going to have a lot of fun over the next few weeks and months.

"When the new season starts, which is only in March, he will be ready to race, he will be at the top of his game and come out of the blocks for that pole position and that victory.

"Next year will be pretty much the same as this year. I really do hope that in 2022 that other teams can challenge Mercedes because it makes for a better sport and I think also Lewis would enjoy that.

"Lewis would enjoy the challenge from the likes of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo, and that is really what the sport wants to see - him truly fighting at the front for those victories."

Before you go...

Does F1 need to plan more unpredictability or was Turkey a step too far?

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