Jenson Button—Formula One Legend Or Flop ?

Yep I agree, JB has proved it really is the car that can make a difference, however that makes it just that bit harder to pick out a skilled driver, of course team mate comparisions help, but in F1 everything counts and that means a talented driver as well.

I would be more than happy if he can pull of 1 WDC.. 2 and Richard Branson will have to dig deep, RB awesome without question.
***spoiler** below



















You only have to look at qualifying to day to see the hole he has left at Ferrari.

 

Jenson's loyalty to Honda/Brawn has been admirable, to understate it. I can't think of another driver who has or would've stuck around with such a terrible car, and even in the face of potentially losing his job.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74128

Q. You've been with Jenson Button through the good times and the bad times. How has he reacted to the situation?

NF: Jenson has been loyal beyond any reasonable expectation, and I think what has gone on in the past has built up that confidence – that we always battled through one way or another, whether it be the legal issues with Williams where he paid through the nose to stay with us, whether it be over the last winter where I know full well he had offers from other teams and would not even consider them. He told his manager to not bother considering them, as he wants to drive this car.

As has been stated in the press, he has taken a massive cut in pay and benefits to drive this car because all he wants to do is win. He has been loyal to Ross and I. We think he is a great driver and he demonstrated that again in Australia. More like that, the better he will get.

 

I tend to think that the British motorsport press built up Jenson beyond his ability and he will have difficulty living up to the reputation.

The English racing fans are a passionate bunch and like to have a hero. DC was for a time, then Jenson and now it is WC Hamilton.

Outside of England, I suspect that the words "F1 Great" are rarely used in the same sentence as Button's name.

Cheers-Colin Firth-Ontario Canada

 

Button has never done anything to impress me. Forgettable backmarker, except for this season with Brawn's magical diffuser.

 

...I'm sure Button is staying up nights worried about you not being impressed....

 

I was wondering when this thread would be resurrected!

 

I'm wondering how long until we see the "Massa sucks" thread coming back.

 

I'm glad to see Button have a win or two. He sure was happy in the interview today and smiled all the time. It was a nice thing to see.

 

Relax. I'm answering the OP's question.

 

...if you want to make ridiculous statements regarding the talent and potential of Button...have at it. He has had a badly managed career and a series of rubbish cars. Now he is showing his true mettle. As I said, feel free to continue making ridiculous statements regarding his 'back marker status'.

 

Heh...given Button's years of total mediocrity, I think that it is a little premature to make such pronouncements after two race victories in what is clearly the best car out there. IMO, after Senna, Schumi is the only legend to come along.

 

Button is fantastic in the interview room, truly joyous and animated. Quite a departure from Raikkonnen!

 

...and what 'statement' did I just make....exactly...?

 

I presume you agree then. I only read the initial post as my opinion is what I wanted to bring forth.

 

I wouldn't call Button a legend, but I think there have been more legends come along since MS:

Alonso, Hamilton, Vettel

 

+1

I don't think *he* can quite believe it either! - Very good to see IMHO. Gotta "love" the replays they're using now as well - Very cool!

Cheers,
Ian
BTW: Varsha: "the 8 previous times a driver has won the opening two rounds, he's gone on to the WDC....."

 

Not yet.

Alonso remains debatable IMO so far as well.

 

You don't give credit for youngest WDC ever? An honor that Alonso and Hamilton won.

 

When he said they were driving at "Running pace", and called it "Embarrassing", I L'dMAO!

 

...ok, so your 'opinion' had nothing to do with my comments then..? and subsequently, your comments had nothing to do with my comments.....ok, got that, thanks.

 

Yes, and lot's of it. But a legend is another level entirely IMHO - It seems everyone who's a little successful these days is immediately elevated to "legendary" status.

I *think* (but could argue the opposite!) that you shouldn't even be considered for legendary status until retirement - "What did he do over his entire career?"

Cheers,
Ian

 

Ditto.

 

...well, it's obvious why JB is running away with it. You would be the fastest man on the track too if you were chasing a 'Virgin'...!!

 

Sticky that thread. You can put a fork in him, he's done.