Button is a worthy world champion

Jenson Button's credentials to wear the world drivers' crown were praised Wednesday by a man who won three Formula One titles.

Jenson Button's credentials to wear the world drivers' crown were praised Wednesday by a man who won three Formula One titles - Niki Lauda.

Lauda brushed aside suggestions that Button did not deserve the honour after limping to the title without a win in the second half of the season.

The 60-year-old Austrian told the sport's official website F1.com - Worthy or unworthy is the wrong approach. A world champion is a world champion.

- You might argue about the manner in which he won, but history has shown that in some years you have guys who win everything, and then you have guys - and I count myself among these - who win with a half point lead in the last race.

- There are many ways to win a championship. He put in a good season: starting very strong at the beginning to forge ahead and then keeping the lead through difficult times of constantly losing points, but still staying in front.

- Yes, the 60th Formula One world champion is a worthy champion. -

With Button quitting Brawn GP for a seat alongside his compatriot Lewis Hamilton at McLaren reports have surfaced about a possible return by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

The German Formula One legend has been linked to Button's vacant seat at Mercedes GP, formerly Brawn, alongside recently signed up German Niko Rosberg.

But Lauda was dismissive of a Schumacher comeback in 2010.

- I don’t believe that there is one single grain of truth in them the rumours - he said.

- There was a window of opportunity after Felipe’s (Massa’s) accident and had Michael been fit he would have taken up that chance to race for three or four races - to prove himself, get the adrenaline rush, and see where he stood in the pecking order.

- But I cannot believe that he would be up for a full season. Why then he did stop racing in the first place? -