JENSON BUTTON feels the hunger he possesses to retain his Formula One world title has helped McLaren in their quest for glory this year.

In capturing the crown in Brazil last season with Brawn GP, it was the culmination of a lifetime’s ambition and work for Button.

At the time Button did not appear to be a man determined to chase multiple titles – one appeared good enough as he had guaranteed his place in F1 history.

In opting to join McLaren, though, Button made it clear he was not in it simply for the money and to play second fiddle to team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

In return, McLaren have two drivers pushing each other on as they are equally determined to achieve further success, and not just this year, but for many more to come.

Button was initially flummoxed when asked what he had brought to McLaren, replying: “Wow! Talk about trying to talk yourself up.”

He then said: “Any driver moving teams that has had the experiences I’ve had – good and bad in his career – you definitely bring something to a team.

“I feel very calm this year, very relaxed, very content, but also hungry to succeed.

“When I finished last year, after winning the championship, I thought ‘Where do I go from here?’

“You don’t plan for after you win the world championship. It had all built up before, what you want to achieve, but nothing afterwards.

“So immediately I started thinking ‘Right, I need a new challenge, and I want to defend my title’.

“I felt the best way of doing that was to race for McLaren, and so far it has been pretty good.

“I’m obviously confident in my ability, I’ve a lot of experience, as I say good and bad.”