Earlier on we reported that former F1 driver Eddie Irvine said that it was ‘madness’ for Jenson Button to move to McLaren, saying that he had entered ‘the lions den’ and was going to get ‘murdered’.

However Jenson Button who will drive alongside McLaren favourite Lewis Hamilton next season is clearly not fazed by these comments from Irvine and has hit back, saying:

“The important thing is I’m confident in my ability, so I don’t feel I need to prove anything to anyone.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I might not agree with it, but everyone is entitled to it.

“It makes my life a lot easier because I’m in a much more relaxed position than people telling me I’m going to destroy my team-mate.

“I can just focus on doing the best job I can and getting the best out of myself and the best out of the team.

“I am here for myself and also for McLaren. People’s comments don’t change anything.”