Jenson Button says that he believes Lewis Hamilton will see off the strong challenge from Nico Rosberg and will emerge victorious in this year's world championship.
Rosberg had a perfect start to the season with four wins in a row to put himself 43 points ahead of his Mercedes team mate, but Hamilton subsequently overhauled that gap and overtook Rosberg after winning in Hungary.
Hamilton stretched his lead to 19 points before the summer break, but engine penalties at Spa and a problematic start at Monza has allowed Rosberg to get back to within two points again.
Despite the momentum having apparently shifted in Rosberg's favour, Button was firmly of the view that Hamilton - his former team mate at McLaren for three years - would end up on top.
“I personally feel that Lewis - you know, Italy didn't go his way but I think he's going to win the world championship," Button said in an interview with Sky Sports F1 after announcing he was taking a sabbatical in 2017.
"He's come from such a long way back, I think everyone forgets how far he was behind Rosberg and he closed that gap over three races.
"For me, Lewis - when the car's working for him - the results are a lot more consistent. His qualifying's impressive, and I think in a race you know he's in a very strong position.
"Mentally he's a lot stronger than he used to be, he's got a really good chance and he probably is going to win a fourth world title."
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