Jenson Button admits to being impressed by his McLaren teammate, Fernando Alonso.

Though the pair are usually scrapping with the Manors, hindered by an engine that lacks grunt and reliability and a dubious chassis, one cannot doubt their commitment or loyalty to the cause.

A few times the frustration has got the better of them but for the most part the Briton and his Spanish teammate have remained resolute, convinced that things will improve.

As ever, in the face of such adversity, some men rise to the challenge, and Button admits to being impressed by Alonso, more so than his previous teammate, three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"On some race days, Lewis was untouchable, on others, it was like, 'Where is he?'," the Briton told reporters. "I'm guessing he's a different driver now, more experienced, but Fernando's always competitive.

"If he's in front of you, you're holding on, and if he's behind you, he's pushing you along," he continued. "But that's great, I like that, I think that's important in a team.

"Before this year, he was regarded as the best driver in Formula One," said the Briton. "It's amazing how quickly people forget. He's very talented, a very rounded driver, a very complete driver. A lot of drivers have their strengths, but also big weaknesses, and I don't think he has a big weakness."

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