Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Jenson Button reckons Fernando Alonso is the more deserving of the two Formula 1 world championship contenders given what he has achieved with the troublesome Ferrari this year.

Alonso goes into this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix decider 13 points behind Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel.

Button, who clinched his world title at Interlagos in 2009, said that Alonso's consistency had impressed him, whereas Vettel's finest performances had come in a period when the Red Bull was the fastest car.

Asked by reporters in the Interlagos paddock if he had an opinion on who should be champion, Button replied: "Probably Fernando, because he's been there from the word go and he hasn't really made any mistakes this year and he's been consistently quick. He's done a very good job in the car he has.

"Seb's been more inconsistent this year. The last few races he's been fantastic with a great car.

"I think if you look at the season as a whole, consistency does mean a lot, and it's good to see that Fernando has been that good at every race. Very impressive to see that performance every race."

Button added that Alonso and Ferrari's turnaround after a troubled start of the year had taken him aback.

"I said at the first race I didn't think he had a chance," said Button. "He was a second off in qualifying, or even more.

"They've done a good job, and he's done a great job."