Jenson Button believes an emotional Lewis Hamilton could destroy Nico Rosberg at the next grand prix in Canada.
After three years together as McLaren team-mates from 2010-12, Button would like to believe he understands what made Hamilton tick and how he operated.
Hamilton readily concedes he wears his heart on his sleeve, and he did so again over the course of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
The 29-year-old initially suggested team-mate Rosberg had deliberately denied him pole position on Saturday, despite the stewards clearing him of any wrongdoing.
Claiming pole proved vital as Rosberg went on to spearhead Mercedes’ record-equalling fifth successive one-two, yet Hamilton totally snubbed the German during the podium ceremony that followed.
According to Button, while Hamilton may be feeling hurt now, he has no doubt that come the next race in Montreal early next month he will likely leave Rosberg in his tracks.
“It is interesting to see how things have changed with the incident (in qualifying) on Saturday,” said Button.
“Whether Nico did it on purpose or not – Lewis is going to think he did – that is the way it is when you are team-mates pushing hard and fighting for a world championship. Breaking Lewis’ run of wins has really helped Nico’s championship. Is Lewis strong enough to come back? I really do think he is.
“He is quite an emotional character and he will be quite hurt, but he will come back stronger than ever.
“I think you will see a more determined Lewis at the next race, I really do. It is a circuit he loves.
“I remember with Lewis when we had a tussle in a race, or there was an issue between us or with him and the team, he would have a really bad race and be quite outspoken and emotional about it.
“But the next race he would destroy me. He would come back stronger than ever, so the mind games people play on him will not work.”
