Beating Hamilton produced the best races in Button's career

©WRI2

Jenson Button says his years at McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton produced the most satisfying races in his 16-year career in F1.

Button and Hamilton raced together at the Woking-based outfit between 2010 and 2012, and while neither won the championship during the three-year period, they delivered seventeen race wins to the British team.

The pair enjoyed a relatively good relationship during their time together, but their rivalry was fierce and intense.

"Our relationship was interesting," Button. told Sky Sports.

"Because I came from Brawn, where I won the world championship in 2009 - and he won the previous world championship in 2008, with McLaren.

F1 sabbatical rekindled Button's love for racing

"I moved to his team, if you like, so I walked in the door looking for that challenge of racing against Lewis Hamilton.

"Both British, racing for a British team, both world champions, fresh new world champions, so it put a lot of pressure on us and that made it fun, I really enjoyed that challenge."

Button admits that at his best, Hamilton was out of his reach, at least in terms of sheer speed.

"He is unbelievably quick and, over one lap, he is the quickest guy I think that has ever driven a Formula One car," says the 2009 world champion.

"In a race, I could challenge him, and we could race for wins.

"Over those three years we won a lot and some of the races I did win were the best races in my career, because I had to beat Lewis to achieve them."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.