WORLD champion Lewis Hamilton has conceded it will take time to catch compatriot Jenson Button after the controversial diffuser used by Brawn GP was ruled legal this week.

Button has enjoyed his best-ever start to a season having won both the Australian and Malaysian Grand Prix – his first victories since 2006.

In stark contrast Hamilton has endured his worst start to a Formula One season after being disqualified from the Australian Grand Prix for his part in deliberately misleading race stewards before he then finished seventh in Malaysia and currently trails Button in the driver standings by 14 points.

While Hamilton admits it will take a lot of effort to catch the Brawn team, he has vowed to work as hard as he can to get back on top.

‘‘I don’t think it’s been as bad as it seems, because the car is really not great at the moment,’’ the 24-year-old said.

‘‘Last year at this time, when I was leading in the championship, it looked much better.

‘‘But we have ups and downs as humans and as a team. I don’t think the approach is different, but we have to work as hard as we can to get back to the top.’’ McLaren yesterday underwent a reshuffle as Hamilton’s mentor Ron Dennis stepped down as chief executive officer.

The team has much to do if they are to have any hope of challenging this season with their first task to make changes to their car following the FIA’s International Court of Appeal ruling that the double rear diffusers are legal.

Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams were the only teams to use the diffuser since the start of the season and have been very competitive in the opening two races.