Jenson Button, F1 world champion... hmmm

I must confess, even after he took six of the first seven grands prix this season, I didn’t think Jenson Button would become Formula One world drivers’ champion.

If you had asked me a couple of weeks ago, my money would have gone on Sebastian Vettel.

It just didn’t feel right. Jenson is an innocuous Formula One man, poodling around in average cars making his millions on the marquee sport’s over inflated gravy train – and this coming from someone who doesn't mind watching a bit of the action. My sportsdesk neighbour Phil Banyard would have a few more choice things to say.

As it was, it only took an unspectacular second half of the season to cement what a clear technical advantage laid the foundations for in the opening months.

But, for all my doubts, Jenson’s drive on Sunday was genuinely impressive.

The way he set about overtaking and making up places – his attacking, exciting and supreme driving – in a race so important, one that would have seen others retreat into their shell, was more than deserving of a world champion.

It’s a shame he kept going on about how good his drive was to Jake Humphrey and co afterwards – but then, he is a F1 driver. Modesty will never be a strong point.

Good on Button for going some way to prove he is worthy of the championship – next season, with Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren set to return to the groove, could be a cracker.

posted on 20 October 2009 10:35 byMichael Bailey - Sportsdesk

Comments