2010 is set to be a spellbinding year for British sport and Formula One with the dream union of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at McLaren now a mouth-watering reality.

The champions of the past two seasons will battle it out next year with Fernando Alonso and fit again Felipe Massa of Ferrari, and perhaps even legend Michael Schumacher at Mercedes-Benz GP if Eddie Jordan’s instincts are right.

Button has certainly proved his worth in 2009, particularly with a dogged drive to title glory at the Brazilian grand prix in October, and as they go head to head in identical machinery, the world will have its answer about who is the best of the Brits.

However, many, including three-time champion Jackie Stewart, see this as the wrong move for Button. Stewart has commented that Button is walking into a “lion’s den” by taking on the number one McLaren driver in his own back yard.

Others fear that this may be a repeat of the 2007 season. Double world champion Alonso left McLaren begrudgingly after one bitter season because he felt alienated by the supposed preferential treatment towards the youngest world champion.

For the same to happen to Button would be further damaging for Formula One in light of the fairytale season which saw the Frome flier come of age.

But can what happened in 2007 really be compared to Button’s move?

At end of 2006, McLaren seemed lost at sea. They endured a whole season without a win and lost lead driver Kimi Raikkonen to Ferrari. Despite their knowledge of Hamilton’s ability, he was an unknown quantity. Alonso’s arrival was perhaps their ray of hope.

Alonso expected to be number one on the back of his second successive championship but, as it turned out, Hamilton was a match for him. His McLaren dream turned into an earthly nightmare and he abandoned ship, heading for the safe shores of Renault.

The state of play at McLaren is clear now. Hamilton has proved to be a sensation and he has arguably just had his best season in terms of his maturity and not having the best equipment on the grid. Button knows what he is up against, McLaren’s number one, quite possibly the fastest man in F1.

We are in for another gripping season. Only the times will tell.