Full Version: Jenson Button: Did he make the right call? (merged)
With so much threads about Button going to McLaren, I'm suprised that there is no poll on this yet. So what do you think?
QUOTE
* COMMENT: Hamilton may make it nightmare for Button
From Times on Line.
I am on the same opinion. Except that I am confident Button will be trashed by the Hamster.
But I voted YES since we'll have the chance to see Button's true value.
QUOTE (Dragonfly @ Nov 18 2009, 17:05) 
From Times on Line.
I am on the same opinion. Except that I am confident Button will be trashed by the Hamster.
But I voted YES since we'll have the chance to see Button's true value.
I am on the same opinion. Except that I am confident Button will be trashed by the Hamster.
But I voted YES since we'll have the chance to see Button's true value.
All I have to say is... I hope Lewis is able to prove how overrated Jenson is.
Even if we assume that both Lewis and Jenson are both equally talented and equally fast... (which i'm not but just go with this)... their driving styles are both significantly different from each other. Now, going past that, McLaren is far, far, far more behind Lewis than Jenson. After the things Lewis has accomplished in '09, peoples hearts and minds are going to be behind Hamilton all the way for next year.
This was a terrible move on Jenson's part. I sincerely hope he wasn't actually looking to defend his crown next year because he's going to be in for a world of hurt. Assuming he even gets on with working the McLaren-way and with the people there I don't see any fruit bearing for Jenson until at least his second year or maybe even his 3rd year there... if he even decides to stick around for that long.
This was a terrible move on Jenson's part. I sincerely hope he wasn't actually looking to defend his crown next year because he's going to be in for a world of hurt. Assuming he even gets on with working the McLaren-way and with the people there I don't see any fruit bearing for Jenson until at least his second year or maybe even his 3rd year there... if he even decides to stick around for that long.
Now that Mercedes has bought out the team I would have to say no.
QUOTE (alg7_munif @ Nov 19 2009, 00:04)
With so much threads about Button going to McLaren, I'm suprised that there is no poll on this yet. So what do you think?
It seems a bit hit and miss as to what the requirements for a poll to be created are. In this case I don't think it was necessary at all.
QUOTE (Xaus @ Nov 19 2009, 00:12)
... their driving styles are both significantly different from each other. Now, going past that, McLaren is far, far, far more behind Lewis than Jenson.
The cars being in development for a few months and as their only guaranteed top driver I assume they started with him in mind.
As viewers and fans it will make things entertaining. As will Massa and Alonso have a handbag fight.
I've gone for yes...
It seems from the comments of both Fry and Whitmarsh that it wasn't a move motivated by money, as it appears that he would have got more by staying at Brawn/Merc. I think there must therefore have been something reasonably significant that gave him cause for concern about staying, and whatever that is I don't think he can be faulted for moving elsewhere, especially to a team of the calibre of McLaren.
It seems from the comments of both Fry and Whitmarsh that it wasn't a move motivated by money, as it appears that he would have got more by staying at Brawn/Merc. I think there must therefore have been something reasonably significant that gave him cause for concern about staying, and whatever that is I don't think he can be faulted for moving elsewhere, especially to a team of the calibre of McLaren.
Of course he did. He was a jerk to brawn for sure but McLaren is infinitely more competitive when all is normal. Jenson vs Hamilton is an unknown. Not being in the same cars skew opinions, but look at Massa! he was projected to be completely destroyed by Kimi by just about everyone, and that never happened either.
QUOTE (The Big Guns @ Nov 19 2009, 00:07)
All I have to say is... I hope Lewis is able to prove how overrated Jenson is.
But Jenson is considered a lucky WDC and Lewis was considered, um, a lucky WDC, until Jenson came along. If Jenson is better than Heikki, it'll cement his standing, if he's close to Lewis it will improve it, if he beats him, the world will turn upside down. What it has done already though, is improved the standing of Lewis, who's suddenly rated the top man by most - if only for his continuity with the same team.
But frankly I think its a no-brainer. Over the next three years, McLaren must be considered the most likely to field a top car. Renault are nowhere, Mercedes - on lower development funding and staff than the 09 Brawn - are an unknown, and Ferrari have gone Latin, so who knows. Okay, he's got to contend with Hamilton, but he's in a better position than any other driver, likely to be handicapped by slower cars. The new McLaren-Mercedes relationship will only affect overall funding, at a time when no other team bar Ferrari have a larger budget and all are cutting spending, it won't affect car/engine performance directly.
Could easily be a two horse race, with Button wearing Barrichello's shoes in 2010, but who knows what in 2011 and 2012 when Button will be settled.
After reading the Nick Fry interview....... NO.
Maybe Button didn't have the confidence with team, afterall he was with the team since it was called BAR, then Honda, then Brawn, and now Mercedes. The name changes from time to time but I bet that the team is more or less the same over the years. He also made his decision after visiting the McLaren factory so that could also be one of the reasons. I'm sure that he always wanted to be in a top team and end his carrier there so maybe he still doesn't consider Mercedes GP is one of the top teams yet.
QUOTE (le chat noir @ Nov 19 2009, 02:19)
But Jenson is considered a lucky WDC and Lewis was considered, um, a lucky WDC, until Jenson came along. If Jenson is better than Heikki, it'll cement his standing, if he's close to Lewis it will improve it, if he beats him, the world will turn upside down. What it has done already though, is improved the standing of Lewis, who's suddenly rated the top man by most - if only for his continuity with the same team.
But frankly I think its a no-brainer. Over the next three years, McLaren must be considered the most likely to field a top car. Renault are nowhere, Mercedes - on lower development funding and staff than the 09 Brawn - are an unknown, and Ferrari have gone Latin, so who knows. Okay, he's got to contend with Hamilton, but he's in a better position than any other driver, likely to be handicapped by slower cars. The new McLaren-Mercedes relationship will only affect overall funding, at a time when no other team bar Ferrari have a larger budget and all are cutting spending, it won't affect car/engine performance directly.
Could easily be a two horse race, with Button wearing Barrichello's shoes in 2010, but who knows what in 2011 and 2012 when Button will be settled.
But frankly I think its a no-brainer. Over the next three years, McLaren must be considered the most likely to field a top car. Renault are nowhere, Mercedes - on lower development funding and staff than the 09 Brawn - are an unknown, and Ferrari have gone Latin, so who knows. Okay, he's got to contend with Hamilton, but he's in a better position than any other driver, likely to be handicapped by slower cars. The new McLaren-Mercedes relationship will only affect overall funding, at a time when no other team bar Ferrari have a larger budget and all are cutting spending, it won't affect car/engine performance directly.
Could easily be a two horse race, with Button wearing Barrichello's shoes in 2010, but who knows what in 2011 and 2012 when Button will be settled.
+1
I think that Button made a huge career mistake by going head to head against Hamilton.
Bad call. He's been at the same team for years, and he's been paid heaps while there. Who'd walk away from not only a team you know, but one lead by Ross Brawn and backed by Mercedes Benz? Crazy to leave IMO ... Jeez I'd be building a very large garage with all the trimmings just to house all the MBs I'd be acquiring from MB while there, all "specials" prepped for the World Champion. And also prepped by the world champion. What about an JB badge on a model from each line of MBs: an SL, and S class, an E class, a "C" class, how about a hot "A" class lightweight by AMG ... how about a whole new "Button" line of hot MB cars? They could have an extra emblem on them - a patented and registered trademark in the form of a button? 
And of course a Maybach Button. Then there's all those coupes ... plastic windows, carbon fibre rooves, carbon bonnets, ceramic brakes, different engines, lightweight doors, lightweight seats, and of course, very special sound systems to suit the young Button's famous tastes (all tuned for Dance music no doubt).
Instead, he's over at sterile McLaren, where Ron Dennis is away sometimes, because he insists on supervising the quarterly washing of his driveway's pebble stones to validate their sterility and cleanliness ... you idiot Jenson. You could of been rolling out Nordschleife times in various hot "Buttoned" MBs for the next decade. Just imagine how many Buttoned MBs Yamauchi would have put into the PS4's Gran Turismo version 6
Sheesh Ross Brawn made Michael Schumacher a billionaire - and you've walked away from The Man. Pleeeeze, go sack your manager now.
And of course a Maybach Button. Then there's all those coupes ... plastic windows, carbon fibre rooves, carbon bonnets, ceramic brakes, different engines, lightweight doors, lightweight seats, and of course, very special sound systems to suit the young Button's famous tastes (all tuned for Dance music no doubt). Instead, he's over at sterile McLaren, where Ron Dennis is away sometimes, because he insists on supervising the quarterly washing of his driveway's pebble stones to validate their sterility and cleanliness ... you idiot Jenson. You could of been rolling out Nordschleife times in various hot "Buttoned" MBs for the next decade. Just imagine how many Buttoned MBs Yamauchi would have put into the PS4's Gran Turismo version 6
Sheesh Ross Brawn made Michael Schumacher a billionaire - and you've walked away from The Man. Pleeeeze, go sack your manager now.
Bad call.
As others have said, walking away from Brawn isn't a good move - the man knows what he is doing.
Ron Dennis? Patchy at best.
As others have said, walking away from Brawn isn't a good move - the man knows what he is doing.
Ron Dennis? Patchy at best.
The correct answer is: Only time will tell.
I'm leaning towards yes though.
You have to take into account Jenson has a lot more information and knowledge of the situation than any of us. It seems he left Mercedes to go to Mclaren for in fact less money. He must have had a good reason for doing it..
As a Button fan I hope he's made the right decision. I get the feeling that Brawn/Mercedes did not commit to Jenson as he would have hoped having been with the team for 7 years, stuck by them through some awful cars and then delivered the title double. Maybe Mercedes were moving in a direction that did not feature Jenson in the long term plans.. If Mclaren came straight in and said "We want you" then that enthusiam probably counts for a lot.
As for the whole driving style thing.. I dont believe it is an issue. If Mclaren build a good car then Hamilton and Button will be able to set it up the way they want in order to get the best they can out of it. Its not like Mclaren deliberately build cars lacking in rear grip for Lewis.. we actually saw what happened when they did that at the start of this year and it was not good. If Mclaren build a good car then both Lewis and Jenson will be fine and able to adapt the set up to their preference.
The odds are against him at Mclaren but I dont see that he has that much to lose. Its highly fashonable to slag Button off and downplay his achievements this and every other year, but if he performes well and pushes Hamilton it can only improve his reputation. If you look over his career, when given a decent car, he has always delivered. I see no reason to believe he wont pick up a whole lot of podiums/points/wins for Mclaren if they build a strong car. If Rosberg dominates the championship next year then yes it probably was the wrong decision.. but even then, who knows what the situation was with Mercedes.
I'm leaning towards yes though.
You have to take into account Jenson has a lot more information and knowledge of the situation than any of us. It seems he left Mercedes to go to Mclaren for in fact less money. He must have had a good reason for doing it..
As a Button fan I hope he's made the right decision. I get the feeling that Brawn/Mercedes did not commit to Jenson as he would have hoped having been with the team for 7 years, stuck by them through some awful cars and then delivered the title double. Maybe Mercedes were moving in a direction that did not feature Jenson in the long term plans.. If Mclaren came straight in and said "We want you" then that enthusiam probably counts for a lot.
As for the whole driving style thing.. I dont believe it is an issue. If Mclaren build a good car then Hamilton and Button will be able to set it up the way they want in order to get the best they can out of it. Its not like Mclaren deliberately build cars lacking in rear grip for Lewis.. we actually saw what happened when they did that at the start of this year and it was not good. If Mclaren build a good car then both Lewis and Jenson will be fine and able to adapt the set up to their preference.
The odds are against him at Mclaren but I dont see that he has that much to lose. Its highly fashonable to slag Button off and downplay his achievements this and every other year, but if he performes well and pushes Hamilton it can only improve his reputation. If you look over his career, when given a decent car, he has always delivered. I see no reason to believe he wont pick up a whole lot of podiums/points/wins for Mclaren if they build a strong car. If Rosberg dominates the championship next year then yes it probably was the wrong decision.. but even then, who knows what the situation was with Mercedes.
QUOTE (Iron Maiden @ Nov 19 2009, 11:55)
You have to take into account Jenson has a lot more information and knowledge of the situation than any of us. It seems he left Mercedes to go to Mclaren for in fact less money. He must have had a good reason for doing it..
As a Button fan I hope he's made the right decision. I get the feeling that Brawn/Mercedes did not commit to Jenson as he would have hoped having been with the team for 7 years, stuck by them through some awful cars and then delivered the title double. Maybe Mercedes were moving in a direction that did not feature Jenson in the long term plans.. If Mclaren came straight in and said "We want you" then that enthusiam probably counts for a lot.
As a Button fan I hope he's made the right decision. I get the feeling that Brawn/Mercedes did not commit to Jenson as he would have hoped having been with the team for 7 years, stuck by them through some awful cars and then delivered the title double. Maybe Mercedes were moving in a direction that did not feature Jenson in the long term plans.. If Mclaren came straight in and said "We want you" then that enthusiam probably counts for a lot.
Not according to Fry. Jensen already had a contract until 2011 anyway, and he was offered more money. But Jenson's manager according to Autosport's interview with Fry, would not talk to Brawn. Probably IMO because the manager had to take an immense pay cut from Brawn due to Honda quitting, and the manager has his own personnel agenda - to maximise his own dirty income. He's got a cosy arrangement with Whitmarsh perhaps.
Banning the bloody managers was something that even Max Mosely could not attempt reforming ... Jenson's has let him down totally IMO.
Have McLaren shot themselves in the foot or played a blinder?
QUOTE
The second possibility that Ron has hinted at is that the era of manufacturers is drawing to an end. Such a scenario has already been worded by other top bosses, but this is the first time one of the really big fish has alluded to it. The phrase “more than a team” could insinuate that just having a lot of money does not win races and championships. The constant fear of parent company withdrawal hangs over those beholden to carmaker money, too. This is twenty-first century, post-recession F1 management from Dennis, and it is very interesting.
This has probably also been behind Jenson Button’s thinking this week. While the tabloids have spoken of money, and it probably did play a part, there is much more to Button’s decision than wonga. Button has learned, from years spent jumping ship from privateer to manufacturer, and eventually winning the title with a privateer, that an independent team is where he belongs. Note how he jumped ship just as Brawn effectively stopped being Brawn GP and became the Silver Arrows. It might be a forecast of the future of the car industry and F1 that will turn out to be wrong, but the world champion has cast his vote.
This has probably also been behind Jenson Button’s thinking this week. While the tabloids have spoken of money, and it probably did play a part, there is much more to Button’s decision than wonga. Button has learned, from years spent jumping ship from privateer to manufacturer, and eventually winning the title with a privateer, that an independent team is where he belongs. Note how he jumped ship just as Brawn effectively stopped being Brawn GP and became the Silver Arrows. It might be a forecast of the future of the car industry and F1 that will turn out to be wrong, but the world champion has cast his vote.
Right call for his bank balance but terrible call for his reputation. He will look second rate at mclaren.
QUOTE (Raziel @ Nov 19 2009, 02:06)
Mclaren has been far more succesfull without Mercedes so I don't understand the concern written about in the article. And they keep all the prize money and commercial right now so more income from Mclaren this time since Mercedes is/was a 40% shareholder. And Mclaren never needed the best engines to win. Senna's 1991 WDC and Lewis his 2008 WDC proofs it. Let alone the 1993 championship were they had arguable one of the worst engines of the entire grid, but yet ended up with 5 wins and their driver finished 2nd in the championship
Button has a past history of jumping teams which turned out to be bad decisions. But this one is very good imo.
Probably pointed out somewhere else in the decade just gone, Brawn GP/Honda/BAR - 2 World Champoinships; McLaren - 1 world Championship.
I guess it would be something like a Spurs or Portsmouth vs Arsenal arguments. Arsenal have been consistently better, but the other teams have at least got sliverware recently.
I guess it would be something like a Spurs or Portsmouth vs Arsenal arguments. Arsenal have been consistently better, but the other teams have at least got sliverware recently.
QUOTE (ryan86 @ Nov 19 2009, 02:37)
Probably pointed out somewhere else in the decade just gone, Brawn GP/Honda/BAR - 2 World Champoinships; McLaren - 1 world Championship.
I guess it would be something like a Spurs or Portsmouth vs Arsenal arguments. Arsenal have been consistently better, but the other teams have at least got sliverware recently.
I guess it would be something like a Spurs or Portsmouth vs Arsenal arguments. Arsenal have been consistently better, but the other teams have at least got sliverware recently.
Exactly and who would you rather play for ?
They may be nigh on French but it'd be Le'Arse for me
If Jenson can get to grips with the car, then he made the right move. I have the feeling that McLaren will have a stronger car than Brawn next year, the only question is if he can work a car that will have been designed for Lewis's ragged driving style.
The real question is WHY he made the move. We have been told it's not for financial reasons, so what were the reasons? Does he know something that we don't?
The real question is WHY he made the move. We have been told it's not for financial reasons, so what were the reasons? Does he know something that we don't?
I can't believe someone would walk away from a contract with a manufacturer-backed Ross Brawn.
Not first time jennie has had problems figuring out who he done signed to drive for 
Besides, he will make an excellent lap dog for lewie baby
Besides, he will make an excellent lap dog for lewie baby
I'm glad he is not a fearful little baby like most of the posters on this BB, worried about Lewis beating him. there is a lot of upside for Button, he beats Lewis = stock rises , Lewis Beats him = still WDC and his stock is about the same.
Save for MS no driver has ever dominated all thier team-mates, Kimi/JPM, Lewis/Alonso, Kimi/Massa shows that it doesn't always go the way you would expect.
I'm looking forwar to next season, I think Lewis will have him, but it could go either way and I think it's good he took the plunge.
Save for MS no driver has ever dominated all thier team-mates, Kimi/JPM, Lewis/Alonso, Kimi/Massa shows that it doesn't always go the way you would expect.
I'm looking forwar to next season, I think Lewis will have him, but it could go either way and I think it's good he took the plunge.
QUOTE (Just waiting @ Nov 19 2009, 03:32)
Not first time jennie has had problems figuring out who he done signed to drive for
Besides, he will make an excellent lap dog for lewie baby
Besides, he will make an excellent lap dog for lewie baby
Wrong! JB with his new ride will show Lewis how to make this thing work.
Experience over youth always wins.
Go JB!
Although Im not fan of his I think that call was right, with WDC already won and such a huge challenge ahead of him that is the decision I would make in his place.
If he loses against Lewis its OK because everyone expected it, if Mclaren makes some tyre eating monster and Jenson ends up in front of him point wise its a big win.
If he loses against Lewis its OK because everyone expected it, if Mclaren makes some tyre eating monster and Jenson ends up in front of him point wise its a big win.
Smart move. Brawn was lucky with the diffuser and McLaren fits him better.
The guy was at Honda/BAR/Brawn for a long time. It was time to move on
The guy was at Honda/BAR/Brawn for a long time. It was time to move on
QUOTE (Iron Maiden @ Nov 19 2009, 00:55)
The correct answer is: Only time will tell.
I'm leaning towards yes though.
You have to take into account Jenson has a lot more information and knowledge of the situation than any of us. It seems he left Mercedes to go to Mclaren for in fact less money. He must have had a good reason for doing it..
As a Button fan I hope he's made the right decision. I get the feeling that Brawn/Mercedes did not commit to Jenson as he would have hoped having been with the team for 7 years, stuck by them through some awful cars and then delivered the title double. Maybe Mercedes were moving in a direction that did not feature Jenson in the long term plans.. If Mclaren came straight in and said "We want you" then that enthusiam probably counts for a lot.
As for the whole driving style thing.. I dont believe it is an issue. If Mclaren build a good car then Hamilton and Button will be able to set it up the way they want in order to get the best they can out of it. Its not like Mclaren deliberately build cars lacking in rear grip for Lewis.. we actually saw what happened when they did that at the start of this year and it was not good. If Mclaren build a good car then both Lewis and Jenson will be fine and able to adapt the set up to their preference.
The odds are against him at Mclaren but I dont see that he has that much to lose. Its highly fashonable to slag Button off and downplay his achievements this and every other year, but if he performes well and pushes Hamilton it can only improve his reputation. If you look over his career, when given a decent car, he has always delivered. I see no reason to believe he wont pick up a whole lot of podiums/points/wins for Mclaren if they build a strong car. If Rosberg dominates the championship next year then yes it probably was the wrong decision.. but even then, who knows what the situation was with Mercedes.
I'm leaning towards yes though.
You have to take into account Jenson has a lot more information and knowledge of the situation than any of us. It seems he left Mercedes to go to Mclaren for in fact less money. He must have had a good reason for doing it..
As a Button fan I hope he's made the right decision. I get the feeling that Brawn/Mercedes did not commit to Jenson as he would have hoped having been with the team for 7 years, stuck by them through some awful cars and then delivered the title double. Maybe Mercedes were moving in a direction that did not feature Jenson in the long term plans.. If Mclaren came straight in and said "We want you" then that enthusiam probably counts for a lot.
As for the whole driving style thing.. I dont believe it is an issue. If Mclaren build a good car then Hamilton and Button will be able to set it up the way they want in order to get the best they can out of it. Its not like Mclaren deliberately build cars lacking in rear grip for Lewis.. we actually saw what happened when they did that at the start of this year and it was not good. If Mclaren build a good car then both Lewis and Jenson will be fine and able to adapt the set up to their preference.
The odds are against him at Mclaren but I dont see that he has that much to lose. Its highly fashonable to slag Button off and downplay his achievements this and every other year, but if he performes well and pushes Hamilton it can only improve his reputation. If you look over his career, when given a decent car, he has always delivered. I see no reason to believe he wont pick up a whole lot of podiums/points/wins for Mclaren if they build a strong car. If Rosberg dominates the championship next year then yes it probably was the wrong decision.. but even then, who knows what the situation was with Mercedes.
sorry are you on about the one single win he had in the last 9 years before this year?
I get the feeling 2010's McLaren will be better than the Merc. Doesn't necessarily make it a good decision though...
McLaren is a legend, Mercedes GP is nothing. It was a good choice.
I don't understand his decision at all. The whole thing is very strange and sudden. On one hand, Brawn and Fry sound (or trying to sound) pissed and surprised, but Mercedes sound like they don't care. Both McLaren and Mercedes said it's not about the money. So what is it about?
Interesting comment from Robertson about McLaren finances.
He said they are not the financial power they used to be, due to the Spy gate penalty, Santanders reduced commitment (Ferrari has the real deal), Mercedes pulling out (McLaren has to buy them out in the next 2 years).
There are tough times ahead for McLaren.
He said they are not the financial power they used to be, due to the Spy gate penalty, Santanders reduced commitment (Ferrari has the real deal), Mercedes pulling out (McLaren has to buy them out in the next 2 years).
There are tough times ahead for McLaren.
QUOTE (Timstr11 @ Nov 19 2009, 03:02)
Interesting comment from Robertson about McLaren finances.
He said they are not the financial power they used to be, due to the Spy gate penalty, Santanders reduced commitment (Ferrari has the real deal), Mercedes pulling out (McLaren has to buy them out in the next 2 years).
There are tough times ahead for McLaren.
He said they are not the financial power they used to be, due to the Spy gate penalty, Santanders reduced commitment (Ferrari has the real deal), Mercedes pulling out (McLaren has to buy them out in the next 2 years).
There are tough times ahead for McLaren.
I seriously doubt it. Times are tough for anyone at the moment, due to the recession and stuff. With the budget cuts implemented, this will facilitate and smooth out McLaren's path to independence. McLaren is no Williams. They have a strong shareholder backing, strong corporate ties and sponsorships and have extremely valuable assets in its MTC.
Plus, they have their sportscar division coming together... and they are led by a savvy businessman... Ron Dennis.
Times will be OK, I reckon.
QUOTE (Timstr11 @ Nov 19 2009, 08:02)
Interesting comment from Robertson about McLaren finances.
He said they are not the financial power they used to be, due to the Spy gate penalty, Santanders reduced commitment (Ferrari has the real deal), Mercedes pulling out (McLaren has to buy them out in the next 2 years).
There are tough times ahead for McLaren.
He said they are not the financial power they used to be, due to the Spy gate penalty, Santanders reduced commitment (Ferrari has the real deal), Mercedes pulling out (McLaren has to buy them out in the next 2 years).
There are tough times ahead for McLaren.
Raikkenon isn't the same driver he used to be either. Nothing particularly interesting about Robertsons' comments, he's just trying to hide the fact that they're too greedy by saying McLaren don't have the money.
to hard to know right now... I don't know if mclaren car will be any better than the mercedes, also the possible teammate at mercedes doesn't seem to be as strong as Hamilton...
I think McLaren and Ferrari will be fighting for wins again next year. If Button doesn't want to be remembered as a one hit wonder, and he has a chance to get in to either of these two teams, and he DOES think he can do well, then McLaren it is.
If he has the chance, which he had, he surely has NO choice but to go to McLaren. This is the one chance he will ever have to ever be taken seriously.
When he has got a good car, he IS fast. He has good race pace and can overtake.
Anyone else way more interested in the prospect of a Ferrari vs McLaren constructors championship next year rather than of any one driver?
If he has the chance, which he had, he surely has NO choice but to go to McLaren. This is the one chance he will ever have to ever be taken seriously.
When he has got a good car, he IS fast. He has good race pace and can overtake.
Anyone else way more interested in the prospect of a Ferrari vs McLaren constructors championship next year rather than of any one driver?
Well, according to Eddie Jordan, his sources say that MERCEDES WANTED TO GET RID OF BUTTON,so mac was Button only chance...
QUOTE (Arion @ Nov 19 2009, 07:52)
I don't understand his decision at all. The whole thing is very strange and sudden. On one hand, Brawn and Fry sound (or trying to sound) pissed and surprised, but Mercedes sound like they don't care. Both McLaren and Mercedes said it's not about the money. So what is it about?
I think the clue is that Mercedes are sounding like they don't care... they weren't bothered about Button for whatever reason, and that became clear to him, so despite what Brawn and Fry were saying to him he realised the team's new owners didn't feel the same way, and so he jumped ship.
Inspired move by Button I reckon. Brawn fluked it this year and I doubt they will be anywhere near the pace of the usual suspects next year.Another thing.,teaming up with Lewis (arguably the current best hot shot) means the spotlight will deffo be on him and Maclaren next year..as an aside two pushy dads on opposite sides of the garage and and not to mention their glamourous fluzies thrown into the mix.Is that a salivating prospect or what? 
Ham-Butty anyone?
Brawn fluked it this year and I doubt they will be anywhere near the pace of the usual suspects next year.Another thing.,teaming up with Lewis (arguably the current best hot shot) means the spotlight will deffo be on him and Maclaren next year..as an aside two pushy dads on opposite sides of the garage and and not to mention their glamourous fluzies thrown into the mix.Is that a salivating prospect or what? Ham-Butty anyone?
None of us have anywhere near enough information to know the answer to this question.
On the face of it a deliberate move to face a driver of Hamiltons ability is either career suicide or a ballsy challenge other than that all we have is contrary mis-info.
One the one hand Merc didnt want Button/ Brawn wasnt offering enough /McLaren offered a 3 year deal istead of 1 on better terms/Button was loyal and it got thrown in his face
on the other hand Button was wanted/ Brawn did offer more than McLaren/ it was a 2 year not a 1 year offer/ Button was disloyal and jumped ship.
So basically none of us know the true facts and probably never will.
1 thing is certain though - it makes next year very interesting...
On the face of it a deliberate move to face a driver of Hamiltons ability is either career suicide or a ballsy challenge other than that all we have is contrary mis-info.
One the one hand Merc didnt want Button/ Brawn wasnt offering enough /McLaren offered a 3 year deal istead of 1 on better terms/Button was loyal and it got thrown in his face
on the other hand Button was wanted/ Brawn did offer more than McLaren/ it was a 2 year not a 1 year offer/ Button was disloyal and jumped ship.
So basically none of us know the true facts and probably never will.
1 thing is certain though - it makes next year very interesting...
Well I was against a move to McLaren for essentially the reasons JYS gave, but now he's made the hope I hope he puts his head down and just gets the job done.
He'll be closer to Hamilton than people expect, but I have no expectation of Button ultimately prevailing consistently enough to beat him.
He'll be closer to Hamilton than people expect, but I have no expectation of Button ultimately prevailing consistently enough to beat him.
No.
Bad move. It will show Buttons true value, and I have a feeling it wont be as high as he thinks it should be- particularly if the next McLaren is an edgy car.
Even if Jenson is as fast as Hamilton he wont get teh opportunity to prove it. He is in the twilight of his F1 career where Hamilton is still improving year on year.
Bad move. It will show Buttons true value, and I have a feeling it wont be as high as he thinks it should be- particularly if the next McLaren is an edgy car.
Even if Jenson is as fast as Hamilton he wont get teh opportunity to prove it. He is in the twilight of his F1 career where Hamilton is still improving year on year.
he'll just be Heikki - Part II. Maybe + 1 tenth, with a bit more moaning, whining.
QUOTE (Dragonfly @ Nov 19 2009, 00:05)
But I voted YES since we'll have the chance to see Button's true value.
That was my thinking too. Fair play to him, he's giving himself one of the hardest tests he could find in F1 when we've seen, more often than not, champions seeking a team mate that will defer to their status. I still hope Lewis comes out ahead though.
Very difficult to say. In next year tyre menagement will be very important and i think it's a fact that Button is better than Hamilton in that matter. But overall Hamilton is better driver and i have a feeling that Button will lose badly and will be remembered as one of the worst WDC ever.
Sir Jackie Stewart and John Watson have both said that Jensons move to McLaren is a mistake.
Button move is mistake - Stewart
But I don't see why. He is WDC and now has a three year deal with one of the two top teams. It is a great decision by Jenson.
He was at BAR/Honda/Brawn for 7 years and they were only title contenders this year because of big regulation changes, which they focused on much earlier than other teams after writing off 2008. Mercedes are unlikely to be contenders next year because of this years championship and they are not as good as McLaren.
At McLaren Jenson is more likely to win races and championships than at Mercedes so I don't understand the opinions of Stewart and Watson.
Button move is mistake - Stewart
But I don't see why. He is WDC and now has a three year deal with one of the two top teams. It is a great decision by Jenson.
He was at BAR/Honda/Brawn for 7 years and they were only title contenders this year because of big regulation changes, which they focused on much earlier than other teams after writing off 2008. Mercedes are unlikely to be contenders next year because of this years championship and they are not as good as McLaren.
At McLaren Jenson is more likely to win races and championships than at Mercedes so I don't understand the opinions of Stewart and Watson.
QUOTE (robracer @ Nov 19 2009, 13:55)
Sir Jackie Stewart and John Watson have both said that Jensons move to McLaren is a mistake.
Button move is mistake - Stewart
But I don't see why. He is WDC and now has a three year deal with one of the two top teams. It is a great decision by Jenson.
He was at BAR/Honda/Brawn for 7 years and they were only title contenders this year because of big regulation changes, which they focused on much earlier than other teams after writing off 2008. Mercedes are unlikely to be contenders next year because of this years championship and they are not as good as McLaren.
At McLaren Jenson is more likely to win races and championships than at Mercedes so I don't understand the opinions of Stewart and Watson.
Button move is mistake - Stewart
But I don't see why. He is WDC and now has a three year deal with one of the two top teams. It is a great decision by Jenson.
He was at BAR/Honda/Brawn for 7 years and they were only title contenders this year because of big regulation changes, which they focused on much earlier than other teams after writing off 2008. Mercedes are unlikely to be contenders next year because of this years championship and they are not as good as McLaren.
At McLaren Jenson is more likely to win races and championships than at Mercedes so I don't understand the opinions of Stewart and Watson.
A certain double champion had problems, why Button would not?
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