Jenson Button

[touringlegend]

For those who heard his post race interview with ITV - does he sound like a man who's just itching to leave the team he's with ?

Several points I picked up on, not word for word, but basically he said the car has went backwards in every area since last year, he's very angry, and he doesn't see anything changing soon..

It's surely a slippery slope to get into as a F1 driver, because a) he wanted to leave the team, and b) now he has no confidence in the team and/or Honda to rectify that problems that they have had to the start of the season.

A very different, and sad Jenson Button compared to last year.

[Adam43]

What he said is available on the ITV site: http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=32339

[BootsOntheSide]

I got that impression as well, he seemed extremely frustrated and almost resigned. Thing is, with Heidfeld having done so well in Malaysia he may not neccessarily get a Williams drive next year. It's far too early for the team to completely give up though, they're in a better shape than McLaren were this time a year ago, and they still turned it round somewhat - Jenson could still ge thtat win, and 5th place could be beneficial to them if the Friday rules stay the same.

[Knowlesy]

The way he spoke, err, spoke volumes about his apparent frustration. He was sort of talking in a combination of rage/hysterical disbelief/sadness. I really feel for Jenson, he could have been up front with Williams but instead he's parked at the side of the road before the race has really begun.

[ralf fan]

Yes poor Jense.....the way he spoke im sure inside he felt like going and shooting the Bar top men for fighting his move to Williams....

[Formula1Fanatic]

He should never have been stopped from leaving BAR for Williams last year I'm not surprised he's pretty ****ed off since BAR have been pretty crap compared to last year

[Mike_Wooshy]

this will hurt honda him saying that though, they promised him a championship by 2007 (iirc)
but on the flip side it might make them pull their finger out especially seeing toyota up where they were last year.

[Kicking-back]

As far as I know - Jenson is contracted to Williams automatically for next year if he does not have 70% of the Championship leader's points after the Australian GP.

[Mike_Wooshy]

after the austrilian GP ????
lol then he is at williams next year ?

[Hazard]

Probably a typo, but sounds like the deal he should have had.

Oh well, at least Nick can drive for BAR

[StickShift]

I've heard the BAR escape clause was either Button must have at least 70% of the championship leader's points by Silverstone, or Button must have at least 70% of the championship leader's points by Monza.

[Knowlesy]

He must have 70% of the leaders points by August 21st.

[Mike Holmes]

Interviewing drivers straight after they have either retired, had an accident or finished a race will always bring out "from the heart" comments, I am sure in hindsight he may wish that he had been a little more diplomatic!

[Kicking-back]

Yes, don't know why I said Australian, I was meaning to put "in August".

[touringlegend]

It happens to the best of us, K-B..

At work recently, I wrote down "Fame Academy" instead of "in workshop" as thats what I'd just finished talking to a workmate about.

[Peter Mallett]

I did mention the performance cluase in the post Melbourne thread.

[Kraz]

Poor JB, his car doesn't meet his expectations. He tried to get out of his contract last year, and he couldn't, Poor JB.
Suck it up you spoiled brat. Instead of complaining to the media about how it will be so tough for you this year, maybe you should try to make the car better by communicating with your engineers instead of whining to the media. Poor JB.

[MickAU]

How much are BAR missing David Richards?? How can the Japs be so bloody stupid to get rid of arguably the best brain in World Motorsport? DR took BAR from an underperforming team and to the front of the grid. Just ludicrous.

[Valve Bounce]

Originally Posted by knowlesy

He must have 70% of the leaders points by August 21st.

BUT does he have an ironclad contract to go to Williams if he scores badly?

[mac]

Mark and Nick appear to be working pretty well together at the moment. Not sure how Jens would fit in back at Williams.

[Blue]

Under the clause, Williams must offer the ride to Button if he fails to take points equal to 75% of the leaders by (Monza?!). It is very likely that he moves next year as I do not think he can achieve it.

[903cc]

That leaves an interesting situation at Williams. Is MW contracted for next year as well?

[sonic]

I can't imagine BMW wanting to let Nick go now.

and, as the only works motor available to williams BMW must hold serious sway at Grove right now.

Wonder if JB will have to spend another winter in the courtroom seeing if he can get a williams drive?!

[Super Tourer]

Originally Posted by sonic

I can't imagine BMW wanting to let Nick go now.

and, as the only works motor available to williams BMW must hold serious sway at Grove right now.

Wonder if JB will have to spend another winter in the courtroom seeing if he can get a williams drive?!

The solution...

JB goes to BMW Williams alongside Webber
Nick takes BMW engines and some financial support to Sauber.

[mixxer]

I was under the impression that JB's BAR performance clause states he is free to look elsewhere for a drive, nothing about Williams having a spot for him.