( CNN ) -- Formula One has yet to win over the United States , but former world champion Jenson Button hopes this weekend 's race in Texas will be the start of something big . The new , purpose-built Circuit of the Americas in Austin will host the first U.S. Grand Prix since 2007 on Sunday -- the penultimate race of the season , and crucial in the drivers ' title fight between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso . `` Racing in Austin is one of the most exciting grands prix , '' Button told CNN . `` It 's a purpose-built circuit for Formula One ... it 's very important for us to make this work in the States . `` Five years ago we raced , it was n't the best race but it was on a circuit which was n't built for Formula One cars , but for IndyCar and NASCAR . `` This was built for Formula One . We 're hoping it works . Looking at the layout of the circuit and driving it in the simulator , it 's pretty cool . There are lots of corners , heavy breaking , long straights for overtaking . So I 've got a feeling it 's going to be a good weekend . '' While F1 has spread around the world to new markets , it has struggled to touch the heartland of U.S. motorsport 's fanbase , which favors open-wheel racing -- generally seen as more accessible for fans and competitors alike . `` Racing here , racing in Austin , a very young , vibrant city , we 're hopefully going to get a lot of the youngsters interested in the sport , '' Button said . `` Not just as spectators , but actually wanting to be involved in the sport in the future . '' Button 's future in F1 is tied with McLaren for next season , but he will have a new teammate following Lewis Hamilton 's decision to join rivals Mercedes . When Button joined McLaren in 2010 as a newly-crowned world champion , it was hoped he could form an all-British dream partnership with his compatriot . But after three seasons as teammates neither driver has managed to win the title , and a Twitter row erupted in the aftermath of 2008 champion Hamilton 's announcement he will move to the German outfit in 2013 . Hamilton will end a career-long association with McLaren after the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend , but Button insists the pair still enjoy an amicable professional relationship . `` We have a very good working relationship , '' Button said . `` We 're competitive , as we should be -- you want to beat everyone and that includes your teammate . `` He 's extremely fast , he 's an extremely talented driver so it makes my life difficult . But I like that , I like that challenge . When we 're working together , we share every bit of information , as we should . '' Hamilton , who sits fifth in the drivers ' standings 12 points and one place above Button , accused his colleague of `` unfollowing '' him -- unsubscribing to his tweets -- on Twitter after October 's Japanese Grand Prix . `` Just noticed @ jensonbutton unfollowed , thats a shame . After 3 years as teammates , I thought we respected one another but clearly he does n't , '' Hamilton said via his official Twitter account , which has over one million followers . However , Hamilton , who made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 , later apologized for the outburst , tweeting : `` My bad , just found out Jenson never followed me . Do n't blame him ! Need to be on Twitter more ! '' Button 's new teammate will be young Mexican Sergio Perez , who has made his name in an impressive second season at Sauber . `` He 's obviously an exciting talent , '' added Button . `` He 's willing to learn , he seems intelligent , those are the three ingredients you need as a racing driver . `` He 's only 22 , which is quite scary . He 's 10 years younger than me which makes me feel very old ! I 'm looking forward to the partnership . It 's a fresh start and it 's exciting . '' Button has won two races this season , in Australia and Belgium , and finished on the podium another three times . However , last season 's runner-up has been frustrated by his inability to challenge both Red Bull 's current leader and two-time defending champion Vettel , and Ferrari 's Alonso -- who , like the German , is seeking a third world title . `` It 's been a tough year , '' Button said . `` You 've got to love the wins . The two wins for me were pretty special , but I 've also had some pretty bad races . `` I sorted those issues out , but I 'd lost so much ground by then it 's difficult to fight for the championship . The last few races have been fun , I 've really enjoyed it . `` There 's been a massive amount of competition between the top four or five teams so the sport 's in a great place . It is the best the sport has been for many years , so it 's the best time to come back to America and see if it works . `` The racing is great , we 've got a lot of top drivers , a lot of top teams , great partners and sponsors involved -- it should work . ''
Jenson Button is looking forward to the first F1 grand prix in the United States since 2007 . Former world champion told CNN the event is important for F1 's future development . He says he has good relationship with departing teammate Lewis Hamilton . Hamilton met his fellow driver on tour earlier this year .