02/08/2005
NEWS STORY
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Our latest Talking Point needs little pre-amble, as most race fans have already formed an opinion, even if it's 'who ******* cares'.
For the second successive year, Jenson Button is embroiled in a dispute over his services as a driver - to summarize, one might best be served by using that line from 1950s police dramas on TV and in the movies; 'only the names have been changed'.
In 2004 Button wanted out of BAR and back to WilliamsF1, because Williams F1 offered the best hope of championship success. In 2005, looking ahead to 2006, Button wants to stay at BAR and not be forced to drive for WilliamsF1 because, yep, you've guessed it... BAR offers the best hope of championship success...
It's a mess.
Button claims that Honda buying into BAR, at a time when WilliamsF1 has lost its works engine deal with BMW has convinced him that the Brackley team is the way to go. Frank Williams, one of the most no-nonsense people in the pitlane, has said that he has no intention of backing down, he has a contract with Button and furthermore several sponsorship deals have been done on the basis of him joining the Grove team next season.
Unlike 2004 however, when Button opted to remain silent, this year he has spoken out, leading Williams to suggest that the media is being manipulated. As if.
On Monday, the English driver issued a statement which was supposedly meant to shed new light on the issue, whereas it has simply added to the confusion.
Then again, there has always been confusion regarding the relationship between Button and WilliamsF1. Does anyone else remember Button's claims in July 2002, when, whilst still with Renault, but already knowing that he was to be dumped, Button told the British media that he had a contract which would allow him to return to WilliamsF1 whenever he wanted.
This of course came just days after it was revealed that Jenson had held talks with Jaguar!
Then on the day that Jenson was confirmed at BAR, he told Pitpass editor Chris Balfe that he had a contract (with WilliamsF1) that forbade him talking about his contract - this was in reference to claims that the Grove team had a long-term option on his services and was merely 'farming' him out for a couple of seasons.
As we said, it's a mess.
Anyway, here's your chance to make your feelings on this issue known. If you were presiding over this case, what would your decision be, should Jenson be allowed to stay at BAR, or should he be forced to 'honour' his contract with WilliamsF1? We also want to know why you've made that decision.
Button is not doing himself any favours, however the day he claims his first win, we're sure all the contractual crap will be consigned to history, certainly in Britain.
Then again, we don't seem to see other drivers (regularly) getting into such situations, and perhaps this is why 'Jense' has failed to capture the imagination of the British public to anything like the degree of Nigel or Damon.
You're the judge... you decide Jenson's future, and then tell us why you made that decision.
Chris Balfe
Editor
To send your thoughts, click here
Note: Please include your full name - without a valid name we will not publish your entry.
John Nicholas
Whilst the press (and members of the F1 fraternity) are implying that Jenson is an ogre for not wanting to honour his 'contract', it seems peculiar that they forget how many times teams and drivers part ways acrimoniously (somtimes in a season) , without the amount of hounding Jenson is getting. I think perhaps it is more a case that he has managed to talk himself up (without delivering yet) and people are sensing an opportunity to bring him down a peg or two.
If I were to buy a new car, with a promised top speed of 200mph, and in fact was told half way through waiting for it that in fact I was being given a Yugo 45, I would be well within my rights to change my mind about the order.
Jenson signed up to a team with works backing, free engines and major sponsors. All of which Williams are losing. Mark Webber could not understand why Jenson would want to join him, and I totally agree.
Robin McInnes - Altrincham, Cheshire, UK
As far as I can tell, Jenson has a contract with Williams. If he does, he should honour it. Simple as that.
The circumstances regarding Williams v BAR may indeed have changed since last year when he signed it, but that's life!
No one, as far as we know, forced him to sign that contract, but he did so in the belief that it was to his own advantage. He made a judgement, and it's come back to bite him; he should accept it.
When you place a bet on a horse, and then it loses form between when you place your bet and the race, try going back to the bookies for your money back. Yeah... you'd be a laughing stock, wouldn't you.
Dishonouring one's word, and trying to have one's cake and eat it, are, sadly, perhaps signs of the times. Old fashioned values are becoming more and more just that: old fashioned.
Simon Gould
Jenson Button has got himself into this mess, either by way of his ex management, or his current management. First of all, this time last year his ex management presumably with his blessing approach Williams and state that there is a get out clause in his contract, and Frank Williams being the guy that he is, looks at it, and decides to go for it, given the fact that Hakkinen was on the verge of agreeing to join Williams. Then BAR did their heels in, quite rightly, and force the issue to the CRB, where both parties agree to abide by the decision of the CRB. The decision goes in favour of BAR, and Williams reissue a contract for 06, which Jenson is happy to sign. Not only he is happy to sign it, but he goes on record by saying that with all the regulation changes in 05/06 then Williams have the factory resources at Grove, in his opinion, to produce the car which will fire him to the top of the pile.
Both BAR and Williams have had a poor season. But, Williams have more points than BAR, and better finishes, and it does look as if they are getting to grips with the 27, so to BAR getting to grips with their car.
Williams I feel have not been helped by BMW, who rather than just produce engines, have wanted to get too involved in the production of the car, presumably, because it was always their intention at some point to form their own team, and what better place to learn than Williams.
The factory resources are still there at Williams, and it is only this season that their full aero facilities are coming on stream.
Like everyone I am assuming that FW will opt to go with Cosworth, and have a complete split with BMW. I don't think that this is a bad thing. Maccas engine is a badged privateer from Ilmor, and as far as I am aware, the " Cossie " V8 DFV is still the engine with the most wins under it's belt. Cosworth know V8's, and DC has already gone on record as saying that it is mightily impressive, in fact all pitpass readers should see the engine rev to 20000 on their web site.
Who is to say that Honda are going to produce a good V8? They have never produced a racing V8 before.
I think FW now wants a British team, with a British engine and a British driver, to be successful.
Jenson has signed a contract, that according to FW is valid and binding, which Jenson says isn't. Presumably his advisors are the very same that told him last year that a get out clause existed, and of course it didn't.
Jenson must be told to honour his contract, or, are we going to see the situation arise again next year, when let's say that BAR don't perform, Honda suffer with their V8, and the Williams Cossie is disappearing down the road, and hey presto another get out clause appears on the horizon!
Personally, I think he was offered more money from Honda to stay, more than he was going to get at Williams, and if he manages to somehow eek his way out of it, what I would really like to see happen is the Williams Cossie blow the field away.
David Hutson
Jenson Button's an idiot.
Anders Berglund
Jenson should honour his word a contract is a contract so there for he should drive for Williams 2006.
Martin Sørensen - Denmark
What to say about the Button Saga: He should be held to the same standard as any other contract employee. As for the argument 'a racing driver's career is short, he should be free to go wherever he wants': Well, he is, isn't he? If you want to keep all options open: don't sign any long term contracts. That way you get to decide every year. Of course, teams might not see you as a safe bet and therefore won't hire you, but that's the price of freedom.
In my personal opinion, this is why Button might become Champion but he'll never be 'Great'. Greatness implies personal strength, dithering from team to team every year most certainly shows (at least) a lack of loyalty. Ask yourself, what is more impressive?: Schumacher winning umpteen championships or Schumacher winning them with a team that at one point looked decidedly second-rate (remember those driveshafts dancing down the pitlane in '96?). In '96 and '97, Schumacher was completely loyal to Ferrari, this year he has been the same. I do not like Schumacher as a driver, but i have to respect that attitude. Button? He might be quick but to me he seems like a spoiled brat, who expects everything to revolve around him.
Alasdair Cameron-Mowat
From looking at the Jenson situation, you can see that he wants to drive for whoever gives him the best package. I can accept that he would like to stay with BAR for next season as their car is performing at a much higher standard than the Williams.
BUT, he decided 7 months ago, longer than that probably, that he wanted to race for WilliamsF1 for 2006, he signed a contract. He should stop throwing his toys out of the pram because he made a bad decision. He needs to stand by his word (or signature in this case) or in the future other teams may not want to have him drive for them. I wouldn't want to employ him, even if he is a good driver.
It seems he will only be happy when he is driving for one of the top teams, at the moment BAR is in the middle, near the top, but much higher than Williams.
Charlie
What a difference a year makes. Last year, Jenson couldn't move to Williams fast enough. And now, he's making pleas, and even offering money to Williams, to stay at BAR. He needs to fire his manager and anyone else around who is giving him legal advice and charging money for it. All this storm and stress for a high profile driver who has not won a race yet. This time, I'm siding with Sir Frank and Patrick. Tell Jenson to get his mind straight, attitude checked and personality adjusted to driving in their car in 2006. Like last year, the deal has been done and it's time to honour it. Unless BAR wishes to come forth in sharing its highly desired Honda V8 power next year in exchange for said driver.
Gordon - Australia
Having Button's signature on a contract is about as valuable as a kid in the paddock collecting his autograph. Probably less, actually...
Steve Preston - West Midlands
I feel its quite simple. Why sign a contract if you have no intention of honouring it? Whether we like it or not the modern world is full of contracts, from contracts of employment to conveyancing. In the multi million dollar world of sport there would be total anarchy if it were not governed by contracts. At the end of the day these contracts serve the best interests of both parties. They actually secure the huge salaries enjoyed by these sportsmen and in this case, Jenson Button. How would Button feel if the boot was on the other foot? What if he was still looking forward to going to Grove next year but Sir Frank said, "sorry, our best chance of winning the World Championship is to sign Alonso". I would bet that Button would feel pretty sick. No, Button is making a fool of himself. If he has a contract, (notwithstanding any clause re BMW engines), then he should stick to it.
David Glaysher
Jenson should honour the contract with Williams, as Frank so poetically put it, a deal is a deal. If he does not go to Williams then signed contracts do not mean a thing to Jenson.
Sander van Servellen
Jenson has previously expressed he will do anything to win. I think his decisions demonstrate this. In a purely legal standpoint, he should drive for Williams if he agreed to that. On a more human level, I think Williams should consider letting him go, since he may not be motivated to drive for Williams. It’s a hard decision, but in purely legal terms, although I have not seen the contract, he may be obliged to drive. But Frank Williams is a hard man, he seems to forget he paid Jenson to leave the team to make way for JPM, so it may be fair for Frank to accept money from BAR and give Jenson the chance to drive with a works team. I personally would like to see Jenson in a BAR next year, because the Williams is a s**tbox at the moment, I think they need a new design team, they haven’t been the same since Newey left for Mac….
K Beasley - Swindon
F1 is a mess at the moment, if Jenson doesn't honor his contract drivers will do what they want & you will see drivers in different cars changing just when they want to & when it suits them.. He must honor it for F1;s sake.. or its bye bye jenson...
Keith Sekree
Some drivers try and keep their nose to the grind stone, get good results and make good contacts, therefore increasing the longevity of respected drivers such as David Coultard. Others seem on a path of self destruction.
Last year Jenson looked like a baby throwing his rattle out of the pram, this year he looks like a foolish toddler. Sometimes you just have to stand by your word and hope it comes good in the end. Although, well done to the lawyers who once again look set to make a fortune!
Richard Norton - Sunny London - (Missing Sydney)
Here we are again, as you said, only the names have been changed. In my personal opinion, I believe Jenson should go and drive at Williams. I think that the cosowrth V8 is going to be a powerhouse out of the box, and early on in the season Jenson and MW will have a huge opportunity for race wins, as long as Frank gets the engines early enough to develop the chassis. We have seen the massive advantage Renault have had this year by being "strong" out of the box, at the beginning of the season. The is enormous potential with Williams, i think more so than with BAR. Next year is going to be very interesting, I think Toyota will be the package to beat, it sounds like their V8 is coming along rather nicely, thank you very much, so Jenson sticking with BAR will not give him the championship.
However my real question is that for a driver who has not won an F1 race yet, how can he be thinking of the championship at all? If he does stay at BAR, Rubens will surely blow him into the weeds in 2006. Rubens is a massive talent, unfortunately for him he has been in a team with the greatest talent of all. I have serious doubts that Jenson would not finish ahead of his team-mate (RB) next year in a single race on merit, let alone win one, let alone the championship.
James Saari
This is like the math problem that doesn't have all the info needed to complete. There seems to be many details that we don't know yet & so it is a little early to say what he should do. With the possibility of the 'LAW' that goes something like 'you do not have to work for an employer if you don't want to' comes into play, then yeah, Jenson should exercise that option if he chooses. Granted, he would loose credibility with any future employer & the fans, but I think everyone knows his intentions & desires of winning. So i think it will all be forgotten if he starts to actually win races.
It is real easy for us to look at HIS situation & say what he should & shouldn't do, but for most of us, we would likely try to do the same thing. Currently, I think they are both playing their hands right now. If you look at Williams current situation, they seem to be in a little bit of a pickle sponsor & funding wise. The BMW departure would look to take the Allianz money with it & HP may be out of F1 next year with their current financial woes. So, Frank maybe just bluffing in order to raise the stakes so he can squeeze as much as he can out of the situation. Either way, I hope for F1's sake, that they are both competitive next season.
Also, the remark made about Honda "not producing a V8 race engine" needs to check the dominant power plant in Indy cars currently. So dominant in fact, that everyone is leaving, including Honda... "lack of competition".
Peter Howard - Forster, NSW, Australia
I think Jenson Button's behaviour has been nothing short of pathetic. As far as i'm concerned, the start and finish of the matter is that he has a deal to drive for Frank Williams, and regardless of the circumstance, he should honour his word. More than ever, Frank Williams needs Jenson Button for several reasons - the most important being that without a manufacturor's backing sponsors will need to be pacified somewhat by at least having a high-profile and rapid British driver.
I've also been utterly shocked by the sentiments expressed by many Britons on various websites that Button should abandon Williams for BAR. This seems to be driven by some form of mad parochialism that Button must be in a 'top team', all the while forgetting that Williams are a top team, merely in a form slump that i'm sure is as much a result of the BMW engine as it is of the Williams chassis. I might have thought that contract law, and simple loyalty, would have been equally as important to the public.
Jenson, go to Williams - it's what you agreed to do and if you don't you will look more the fool next year when Mark Webber's Williams Cosworth wins race after race.
Craig Richardson - An American Grand Prix fan (still)
Whichever team I think Jenson should go to is a moot point. If he signed a contract that forces him to go to Williams, then that is where he goes. If anything, he should speak with his agent. It seems that contract law is not his strong point.
Jenson needs to understand that it takes time for a team to weather the storm. Williams will have a couple of years of adjustment, but they will come around.
The question is, after these two fiascos, will another team ever want Jenson Button? I don't know if it is worth the heartache.
Christopher Laws - France
Personally I don't care which team Jenson wants to drive for. However the way in which he acts regarding his contracts is another matter. Last year he wanted to drive for Williams in 2005, but BAR managed to produce a valid contract, which Jenson's lawyers claimed did not exist. Now he doesn't want to drive for Williams, and his lawyers again say there is no valid contract. HMMMMMMMMMMMM.
Christopher Rupnik
Jenson has to go with Williams, else, what prevents drivers from signing for 6 different teams and then choosing at the end of the season where to go. Be a man Jenson, and drive the Williams car to make all of your fans proud.
James Hayden
The most important possession in life is your character...Jenson has shown he is a foolish with his. And all this for a man who has never won a GP. My cat holds the same distinction.
Tony Palombi
Jenson
Go to Williams and serve your contract and quit crying like a baby. When b-stone get’s their act together and Kimi is driving Scarlet in 2007, it won’t matter where you are.
As a further talking point, can anyone tell me exactly just what the heck this guy has done in 5-6 years of f1 that we should even give a hoot? My opinion is that Albers is twice the pilot, however due to his being Dutch and not English, is not entitled to such free press.
Roy J
Concerning the Button/Williams dispute, how can anyone make a judgment without first reading and understanding the legalese in the contracts? This is now reduced to a mere public opinion poll. A coin toss would have as much value. I do think Sir Frank is foolish to try to "force" a driver to drive, at this point he should take Button's $3.5 mil offer AND B.A.R.s (disputed) $9 mil/Davidson offer. Strange as it seems Sir Frank has a talent he's wasting and is likely to loose soon. Heinfeld is going away, Webber has turned out to be a dud and doesn't get along with any teammate, but Davidson and Pizzonia would put some sparkle back in the team. And next year the V-8 engine will be like ALL teams starting from even ground. The Williams team has got enormous financial problems with loosing BMW and H-P and Heinfeld and even some Button related sponsors.... Contract or not, Button can't and isn't going to save Williams. I don't have a card in this game but I do see Sir Frank (and Patrick Head) floundering when a small bit of common sense could save them.
Suzanne Ellis - London, UK
Adrian Newey. He signed a contract and then 'changed his mind'. What's so special about that situation that means Jenson is not entitled to do it too?
I am a self-confessed shopaholic and after my regular spending sprees, often need another day at the shops to take back/exchange all those about which I have changed my mind. That is flighty, and somewhat irresponsible.
If I signed an employment contract and, before I started the job, the company in question lost half of its assets and could not give me what they had offered when I signed, I would be well within my rights to change my mind. That's a smart move, and my basic right.
Jenson has not had a different team every year, indeed for most of his career he has gone wherever they would have him. He's never really had a choice, until now. Guilty only of being mis-advised, Jenson is sorting out the mess left for him by last years management. He is not 'spoilt', 'ungrateful' or 'disloyal'. Indeed, he's been consistently trampled my Williams, who do not deserve to have him back. Bounced out of the team to make way for JPM, they farmed him out to Benetton/Renault, then would have nothing to do with him whilst he was looking for a drive for 2003. BAR to the rescue - they deserve to keep him and Jenson is showing them loyalty by his insistence that he wishes to remain there. He sees that he'll be better off with BAR-Honda, he wants to stay with a team who are building themselves up around him. Sounds like a sensible decision to me. He wants only what's best for himself. I don't know about anyone else, but I only want what's best for me, too.
Jenson cannot be made to work for an employer he does not wish to work for, anymore than you or I can. I hope that he gets what he wants and stays with BAR-Honda in 2006. He deserves it.
Bruce Lessels
I thought that it depended on whether or not he had 75% of the points of the championship leader at the half way point. Clearly, the events of earlier in the year meant that that was going to be a herculean task, even for Jense. However, if this is what the contract said, then it is unenforceable as it cannot be determined either way. Were BAR aware of this clause, or not? The parties need to sit down and agree a new contract, as the current one is invalid.
Francis Newman - Twyford, UK
Without reading the actual contracts, and knowing exactly who has said what to whom, and what promises have been made or insinuated it is impossible to pass judgement on the rights or wrongs of Jenson trying to get out of his contract with Williams. I donlt have any problem with him attempting to get out of the contract but I do have a problem with him in doing it so publicly - if only because he is inflcting damage on himself.
If at the end of the day he cannot PRIVATELY persuade Frank - then he has to just accept he signed and get on with it.
On that front he is either being foolish or badly advised. It is a high risk game which is likely to backfire with the ultimate paymasters - the sponsors.
Personally I would like to see him stay at BAR.
As for an earlier comment about FW wanting to run a British car with a British driver with a British engine. Give over, Frank is not that sentimental.
And anyway: Cosworth. An american owned compeny buidling engines in Northampton UK. Honda - a Japanese company building engines in Bracknell UK (not Brackley where BAR are based!) Ilmor - a Mercedes owned company building engines at Brixworth, Northamptonshire, UK
So how British does the engine have to be?
Andres - Colombia
Contracts are made of clauses and surely there are clauses in those contracts that contain backdoors (with or without penalties). I have would have to a look at the contracts before deciding where Button MUST go, but if you ask me where he should WANT to go, I would have to answer BAR, of course. No one should have to honor a contract to stick to a car with slim to none possibilities. We all remember what excellent chassis are with second rate motors in them (McLaren-Peugeot anyone?). There is a small possibility that Cosworth produces a conquer it all motor, and Williams are able to mix it beautifully with their chassis in a couple months. But I would have to say that that kind of event has very low probability given their latest results with BMW. F1 is a sport of cycles, sadly, Williams is in a downside trend now days and no one should be obliged to drive for them.
Another aspect to evaluate is that Williams’ driver salaries are low compared to those of other teams with deep pockets. That alone may make Button decide to pay his way out of Williams.
Anyway, as usual in these cases it’s not our decision, as surely there are lawyers by the dozen and multiple courts involved.
Adam Zillin - Tokyo
OK. Jenson, your a fool. Or simply mis-managed... one of the two. Where is the integrity and dignity that i know a formula one driver should possess, qualities that sadly for Britain, F1 and yours truly are concerned, arent present in you?
Look both those words up Mr Button and realise you possess neither. 'Loyalty' suddenly sprang to mind as well. You signed..it was sealed many years ago and now my dear pitlane serpent, you must slither off to Williams to deliver what you now are desperately trying to wriggle out of. Unfortunately for you, you are not so slippery to escape the steel vice that is Sir Frank William's iron fist. Just shows you he is one of the strongest men in the paddock, even IF he is confined to a wheel chair.
But i digress...
You are showing your age, Jenson, as indicated by the size of your shoe, as well as a distinct lack of finesse, quality, and poise, not to mention maturity that has made a guy like Michael a champion. Even though i loathe that man for the things he did to Damon and Jacques, in 95' and 97', the guy must be respected for staying with a dog of a team and making it a team never to be underestimated. Hats off to him. You will never be in the same league...and sorry if that hits the crown jewels a little too hard, but Michael never got himself into these sorts of dilemmas, partly also due to the fact that Willy Weber is a wily old coot with a decent scone on his shoulders. Perhaps you need a manager change?
There is a chance for you to build a team around you, providing Mark doesnt get there first and im hoping he beats you to the punch, not only because we are Aussies, but mainly because he has that magic that ive seen Michael demonstrate over many years. I remember Mark saying how much he admired Michael when he came into F1 and now he is echoing the same work ethic and moral standard. Surely success is only a matter of time. And to those who doubt Webbers potential, anyone who can strangle a fifth place out of a MINARDI (!!!) at his home GP, AND in his first race for F1 deserves to be given a better drive..and RESPECT.
But, Jenson...
I have never heard you talking highly of anyone but yourself really and the people you had to give kudos to. A contract is a contract. You seem to have developed a habit for changing your mind whenever it's suited you but have never realised how much it would damage your credibility as a racing driver until now. Its too late.. the damage is done.
Swallow your pride, Jenson. The F1 world will admire you for having some backbone and the ability to call a shot for a change and honour what you have claimed you would honour, season after season. We are not screaming for your blood and this F1 observer knows you have a rare and valuable talent, but all these political games will cost you dearly, Jenson, and its absolute suicide to dance with the Devil. You seem to enjoy it strangely enough...
Dont be surprised if the F1 paddock tires of you, as you seem to have become a sort of 'ball and chain' to many observers, and we all know how dearly we would love to rid ourselves of that type of burden. F1 has enough problems without having to baby-sit you. There are many who smell an opportunity in the wind and F1 moves at an astonishing pace on and off the track. If you aren't careful, you could be the next Eddie Irvine, all but forgotten in the blink of an eye. Even Eddie had qualities you lack....
Some racers come and go in F1 and your heading down that path towards obscurity, Jenson. Dont be a fool!
Go to Williams. Honour your contract. And let Mark show you a clean pair of heels.
Dave Kane - Indianapolis
Screw Jenson, he’s a smart ass who thinks he can do what he wants, when he wants… hmm… just like rest of F1! What about Anthony Davidson, he’s the one who has a real beef. He’s been a soldier and a gentleman and look what it’s gotten him! He has not complained or whined one bit to my knowledge.
These comments from Nick Frye are simply amazing. Now there’s a guy with short-term, “mid-term” and long-term memory issues…
I met Anthony Davidson at Montreal on the Thursday when he was walking the track, hand to hand with his girl friend/fiancé. What a lovely couple. He couldn’t have been nicer. Sato wouldn’t even give the time of day. I and the other Historic Grand Prix driver were allowed to study the track at the same time.
Seems to me to be a case of chose your liar, Sir Frank, Nick Frye or Jenson? Just pick your candy bar Jenson, so the rest of us can get on with our lives!
Hey F1, kiss…
Francis Newman - Twyford, Berks. UK
Come on Adam.
Isn't that exactly what Jenson is doing at BAR - building a team around himself. So are you saying he should give that up and go and start it all over again at Williams.
That is NOT an argument for him to go to Williams. There ARE other arguments but that is not a vaild one.
Elliot Throssell - Seattle USA
I remember reading an article about this issue some time ago in which it was stated that in Button's Williams 06' contract, there was another clause (yet this one was not a points clause) where as his contract would become null and void if Williams lost there manufacturer backing.
It also seems that Button was signing a contract with Williams BMW... now no BMW it is not the same team that Button agreed to drive for. Also Button is right in stating that he would want to spend 2-3 years building up a new team. He knows BAR-Honda and knows where there are going, even if next year will be an unknown formula you would think that Honda would have some good V8 knowledge from Indy Racing and their 3.0 V8.
Moreover with BMW leaving and rumors that sponsorship is leaving with BMW or simply just leaving Sir Frank seems to holding on desperately to anything he can. His team is unraveling before his eyes and Sir Frank doesn't seem like the time of guy to go quietly into the night. While I feel for him and the team (which are a very strong successful team) I believe that this shouldn't be their first priority. Williams need to focus on building a real car, getting sponsors that want to sponsor Williams and Williams alone (not the engine or driver), new manufacturer backing, and then the drivers will come knocking. Right now the team and the car are just not there.
If I were a team owner I would want someone driving for me that didn't want to...the driver wouldn't be that motivated and neither would the crew be that motivated to give him the perfect set up...there would be a lot of F*** this guy/F*** these guys!
Finally Frank if you are reading this take a look at GP2 and in particular Scott Speed! I point to him not because I too am from the States, ok maybe a little bit but still. If you are looking for sponsorship money think about the US sponsorship you would get being the only team with an American driver!
William Turner - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
A contract is a contract! Did Stirling Moss even need one (on paper) to remain loyal to Rob Walker? Did Jackie Stewart to team with Ken Tyrrell?
Either a man’s good for his word – or he isn’t. Jenson needs to grow up, fulfill his obligations, take his medicine (if need be) and get on with it. Spoiled brats and bullies need to be put in their place from time to time – and Frank & Patrick are just the MEN to do it.
Amoros Rokaj - CT, USA
I think Button shold honour his word and go at Williams in 2006 just like the contract says. He saw that Williams might be in truble in 2006 and he is trying to be a sleez ball about it by trying to get out of his contract. What Button is doing is just plain wrong, and Sir Frank Williams should do anything he can to get Button to Williams in '06.
Dave Callow - Surrey
Jenson is right, he should drive with the team that will give him the best chance of winning the World Championship.
Williams position has changed substantially since Jenson signed for Williams. No works engine and a considerable drop in its ability to compete at the front end of the grid.
However, Jenson should have seen this coming. Has Williams really been a force since Adrian Newey left?
We all want to see a British driver as World Champion and Jenson is our best bet!
John Chapman - UK
I've read with great interest all the media hype about the 'pro's and 'cons' of Jenson's behaviour and quite frankly its getting very tiresome.
Its seems to me, (as someone has already said on this topic), the media is out to get him..!
Whilst I don't condone JB not honouring his contract, I dont think that Williams are far from whiter than white in all this.
I cant help feeling there's a lot more to this than meets the eye, which still hasn't come out, yet...... maybe that will come out in the next 3wks when the media has nothing else to talk about until the next race?
Mark Newman
I think putting the legalities aside for a moment, it is about number one, ie JB himself. He is a racing driver, with ever growing clout, and can express his desire to race for the team he wishes to race for. He clearly has an attachment at BAR now, which may be due to pragmatic decisions about engines etc, but could also be a sense of repaying the faith that was given to him by the team after last years debacle. The team acted with superb professionalism, which would not likely be the case in other teams..
Motor racing is quite fickle, and teams change in competitiveness from year to year, and even month to month. This makes the drivers choice more difficult, and there must be hesitation when signing contracts...The teams may offer big money to persuade, or promises of great engines etc etc..The driver merely wants to drive the fastest car, and wants the team to be fair and equitable. If the team is built around him, then so much the better. Its about the winning mentality. We must not forget that. Drivers are fiercely competitive people, and so the urge to drive the best car possible in the forthcoming season is huge, possibly more than we realise.
In light of that, I cannot criticise Jensons desire to stay at BAR. He is a racing driver, and must be where he feels most comfortable, and most competitive. Its what he is paid for after all. Forget the hype about contracts, and a gentlemans word is his bond rubbish. The world has moved on from that era, as well Frank Williams knows...
It seems that this is where commercialism and pure racing collide, when a driver is expressing a racing desire, which conflicts with a teams commerciality, or standoutability. Jenson is a commodity, and I actually admire his decision to 'change his mind' so to speak from last year. As has already been said, last year is a long time ago in Formula One. With great respect, Frank needs to wake up a little. The Williams team has not been 'great' for the best part of a decade or so... Without wishing to sound harsh, how much longer can a team ride on past glories for its reputation? Jenson seems to have finally woken up and smelt the coffee, and I respect him for that. He should stay at BAR. He is a racer, and (forgetting money) they offer the best technical deal as it stands it would seem. I hope he is allowed to fulfil his racing potential, and not be pushed around by team bosses in their less than graceful commercial/sponsor seeking mode. May the best racer win. Good luck Jenson, and I hope that fate plays a decent hand, when deciding which team you end up at for 2006..
James Nickson - Wellfleet, MA, USA
Jenson's Buttons - Apologies to Lewsi Carrol
Long time the manxome win he sought-
So rested he with the Tumtum Team,
And drove awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he idled,
The FrankyWock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
Contract points went unexplained.
The vorpal pen went snicker-snack!
Jenson, FrankyWocks new villein.
Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did grye and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the Tifosios,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Davey - UK
The whole subject bores me to be honest. It just seems like more PR to keep him in the papers and justify the "Jenson Button" show that we have to endure on ITV before each GP. It also confirms how empty his statements last year were, pure PR speak.
It can all change next year. The new rules add an element of "level playing field" to it all. Cosworth have made an outstanding engine this year, there is no reason to doubt their engine next year.
I think it is more a case of him enjoying having his ego pandered to. It's about time he justified it, if you ask me...
Ryan Massen
i used to support button now i hope every grand prix that his car packs up and frank puts himon the side lines for next season and gives ant davidson a seat at least he'd be grateful
button get a grip and grow up
Edwin D Scott
It demeans the British racing public to suggest that, once Button wins a race if he ever does, Button's lack of integrity would soon be consigned to history. Button has repeatedly shown himself to be a sniveling crybaby who would rather blame everyone else rather than accept blame for his own stupidity.
Even if British fans are so easily duped, I doubt very much whether the corporate sponsors in F1 have any desire to be associated with such. Can you imagine the Royal Bank of Scotland proffering Button as its international symbol of integrity, with creative solutions to complex problems, when Button cannot read the contracts he signs nor even ask what terms they contain.
At the USGP in June 2004, Button made a paid appearance before a party hosted by, among others, F1 Racing magazine. Many there looked forward to seeing Button and to cheering for him that weekend. However, his childish, narcissistic performance - punctuated by derogatory comments about women - and his refusal to take any audience questions or to sign autographs even for the young children present left no one in doubt that Button's calling was as a makeup artist for a rap magazine. Thank heavens that race circuits do not have mirrors above the walls or Button would crash straight into them.
Ridicule, was all that Button engendered in the American fans.
Tony Traugott - Santa Monica, CA, USA
To me it's very simple. It's not about engine deals or what team is being built around what driver. It's about integrity and honoring your word. Basically it's about being a man. Button signed a contract and he should honor it. End of story.
Holly Wadsworth - NSW, Australia
Button is one of the best driver's out there. He's not simply just changing his mind again. The contract he signed was when BMW Williams would be together. There were no thoughts on BMW bailing out leaving Williams with no engine deal. Yes there is a contract and you should honour contracts but he can do what he wants. BAR has given 110% this year whereas Williams doens't look like they've been doing that much at all. It's not as if he just suddenly woke up one day and said "Oh, I think I'll go cause some mischief", and then decided to stay with BAR. He was advised by many people and has thought this over. Don't blame JB.
Contracts are binding and all but there are such things as loop holes or other ways of getting out of them. He's not the only guy who has wanted to pull out of a contract.
Don't compare him to M.Schumacher because Schumacher will do anything to win. Look at Indy this year. He's cut just because he's not winning every race.
Button hasn't asked the media to write up stories about him all the time. Don't blame him and say he's asking for attention. Of course he's going to release statements to the press. Rumours are produced otherwise and don't forget that the media has a clever way of twisting information. He's a great guy with a beautiful driving technique. If going the CRB means he will stay with BAR, then so be it. It's his business and he will have to deal with it. Just don't go slaming JB when he's a top guy.
I'd employ him any day
Mike Martin
Talk is just talk. If Jenson signed a contract with Williams for 2006 and there is not a specific clause about which engine will be used then Jenson should just shut up, honor the contract, and drive the Williams next year. It appears some drivers think that if they talk to the media enough the team owners can be persuaded to change their minds. However I don't think Frank Williams nor Patrick Head are the type to allow what is said to the media to sway their judgements, at all.
Come on Jenson. Stop talking, just drive the BAR as hard as you can this year, and quietly drive the Williams in 2006.
Scott Cameron - Chemainus, British Columbia, Canada
I'll start off by saying Jenson will not be driving for Williams in '06. Jenson look at what you have created for yourself but it isn't the end of the world. Sir Frank wants Jense, that's obvious but isn't so obvious is a
few other things that are looming in Frank's face. First off (apparently) he has been offered in the range of $2 to $9 million dollars and Anthony Davidson to leave Jense alone, and obviously FW is a hard ass and laugh's at this but back the F1 circus up for a moment Frank, your being handed something BAR has been protecting for a few years now at all costs. Now i know the money means nothing to FW and the amount is probably almost an insult but in the end i think Frank will settle or even be forced to settle for AD and the cash wich leads me into my second point. Honda now owns 45% of BAR and we all know how much the Japanese like to save face and i'm almost certain this goes double or triple for a major Japanese company such as Honda. Frank will take the compensation package, Jenson will remain with BAR and sign a long term deal soon and Rubens Barrichello will be his team mate next year with Takuma Sato moving to Toyota as a test driver.
Marc Pecnik - Seattle, USA
Its real sad to see that this is a top headline in F1. Honestly, in the states Formula 1 is becoming a bigger and bigger joke, you have these G@d dammed rednecks running around laughing at F1 ( after all they are the majority of TV watchers) every time drivers detract from what they should be doing, and what they are. (US 02') You sign a contract you honour it, thats the way things are done here, if you decide to break that contract you would get sued (or slapped).. even speaking of this sort of thing is blasphemy. If F1 wants to hold onto any last shred of dignity in the states, the governing body should step in. Even in the Hick ridden ranks of Nascar, people are fined, penalised and booted. It pisses people off but ya know what.. they get over it, and the fans love it.
As far as Jenson goes, until he has won a few races he should really piss off, if he were Hakkinen or Schumacher then it would make more sense to open his mouth. He is quickly falling into the ranks with DC,
as another "English" driver with alot of promise, but nothing to show. Get off the corinthian pedestal and shut your dirty mouth.
thanks for your time
Greg Cunneen - Tokyo
Us poor buggers honour contracts, it would be well if rich buggers did the same.
Craig Ringland - London, UK
If I were Jenson I’d be doing exactly the same thing – wanting to stay with BAR. Situations change, people change – he’s only human. Why would you move somewhere if you are clearly know you are not going to have the right equipment to perform? If someone does not want to be there – why have them there? Coming from someone who works in a HR environment, you see this everyday – Ok it may not be Formula 1 but people sign contracts, situations change with their current employer, and they stay put. It’s a fact of life, Formula 1 or not, people are going to look after themselves. And speaking of contracts – is Barrichello not contracted to the end of 2006 with Ferrari? Clearly shows that all contracts are flexible and not always fully honoured.
I say good luck to Jenson and hope people understand and honour his wishes to stay.
Andrew Anderson
Adam mentioned "loyalty", Dave mentioned " gentleman", and William mentioned "good for his word", and I agree with them all, and add another appropriate word - "honour".
Years ago a very honourable gentleman named Sir Frank Williams gave an unknown driver named Jenson Button his 1st chance in F1 and at that time I didn't hear of other team owners fighting for Buttons services.
Years later Button is still taking advantage of Sir Frank's generosity and it's time for Sir Frank to take delivery, even if his goods are somewhat soiled !
It's just a shame the ever present on TV - Button Snr., hasn't ever taught his son the meaning of the quoted words above, particularly "honour".
SHAME on you Jenson Button !!
Paul Clifford
Let me get this straght,Jenson had a contract with BAR that said they must defiantly have works engines,when there was the slightest hit that this might not be the case his management tried to jump ship.This failed,he changed management and then signed a contract with Williams which had no get out if there were no works engines.Ether He is more stupid than he looks or He is more stupid than he looks.
Carola Daehnert
i read some of the statement ppl made regarding Jenson's integrity and dignity. what do they think? F1 is sport on GP-Sundays from 2.00 pm till finish, the rest of the time is business, pur business. Jenson has proven a lot of respect to Frank in the last six years and now he wanted just one 'yes' back! But that's obviously to much for Frank! Who is here the backstabber? Who has promoted wrong facts? it was Frank and not Jenson! Frank was never kind to his drivers, the car is the most important thing, so who the hell believes that he has suddenly after all those years made contracts with sponsors containing a driver called Jenson Button? Sorry Frank, i have to start laughing, who is believing that knowing you for such a long time?
Jenson might have done it wrong this year again, but really, did anyone expect after last year that this wont be happen? Who? From the first minute of Buttongate 2004 it was sure that there will be a sequel in 2005. I support Jenson to the fact staying with BAR, whatever it may cost (even to sit out 2006!). the question is: will BAR still support him? that's were i get doubts.
Bill Rogers
Everyone should just leave Jenson to his own devices. He was doing an admirable job of fading into mediocrity before all this started back in '04.
I think Jensen should post a few results before copping the attitudes. And as for BAR building a World Championship team around him? I believed that back when they claimed they would do it with Villeneuve, who was a proven Champion at the time.
Button can go where he likes. If he does not start to show results quickly, like Coulthard or Trulli has this year, or even Massa who was just rewarded for all his hard work, he can expect to be on the way out pretty quickly.
Kerim S Anwar
Well Button is wriggling BUT.... The whole Williams outfit is changing so this time round Button should be able to side step any promise with a relatively good excuse. After all would you still complete the purchase of a brand new Beamer knowing they slipped in a Ford Engine instead?
Tim Carter
To all those people so outraged at the position Jenson's taking, can I ask what they think of drivers being sacked by a team before the end of their contract? The same principles apply to a driver not wanting to take up a contract, surely? In which case Sir Frank, and every other team principal, is "guilty" of the same "crime" as Jenson.
Schuey stuck at Ferrari when it was pony rahter than prancing horse and he built the team around him - isn't this what Jenson's trying to do at BAR? There's no chance he (or anyone else) could do that at WilliamsF1, it's just not that sort of culture in that particular team. How many drivers has WilliamsF1 got rid of after winning World Championships? I don't criticise WilliamsF1 for its approach, it's a legitimate one which has reaped huge rewards. It seems hypocritical then to suggest that Jenson is not entitled to the same freedom to act in his interests as a team is.
Jenson's at least been consistent in trying to get himself into the fastest car. That is, after all, almost literally the only way to win a World Championship in a sport where the car makes 99% of the difference and the driver makes 1%. Schuey's genius, and Senna's and Prost's, was not so much on the track but rather in their capacity to develop a car - i.e., to understand the engineering and interact with the engineers and rest of the team to build what was, on average over a seasopn, the best car. BAR appears, from the outside at least, best placed to offer that to Jenson over WilliamsF1 for next season. It's a risk of course, a calculated and a fair one, and why should Jenson be ciriticised for taking it?
Fabian - Malta
I think Jenson may stay at BAR but Williams have the right to make him honor his contract. But in this case I think that Both Williams & BAR should release him from his contract because he is an umpredictable driver, why did he sign last year when he had a contact with BAR? now it's the other way round, what would he do if he is with williams this year if he was released last year? If I manged an F1 team I would never ever what a driver like that. And to say every thing he is not a super driver because he only went better than sato from all his teammates, and who wouldn't?? maybe I?
Emily Morton
Well, as you said it’s a mess! And what a mess it is.
Button and his former management kicked up, such a fuss about Button wanting to move to Williams last season because Williams offered him his best chance of becoming World Champion and that BAR are were going to hold him back.
Roll on a year, and its same old thing. Button is kicking up a fuss about BAR offering him his best chance of being World Champion and Williams are going to hold him back.
Well the thing with Formula One, is things change and usually very quickly and another thing about F1, is that history very much repeats its self.
Back in 1997 Williams lost their Renault engines, oh dear! They had to use Mercachrome engines in 1998 and Super Tec engines for 1999, then BMW arrived on the scene and powers them to ten victories and a good shot at the 2003 Constructors Championship. And now Williams have, lost their BMW engine and it appears that they will have to use Cosworth engines next season. Well I bet you, that Williams will have a works deal with one of the major car manufactures by 2008 and will be back at the top.
As for Button, it appears that Frank Williams has a valid contract with Button for 2006 and BAR don’t. It looks like its another job for The FIA Contract Recognition Board. Button might not like the decision that The FIA Contract Recognition Board will take, but he will have to honour their decision like he did last year.
This whole sorry saga just, proves that the guys like Nigel Mansell and Gerhard Berger who managed themselves had the right idea. At least they didn’t get themselves into messes like this.
Roy J
12 pages of reader comments.. mostly Button bashing.. "honor your agreement" ... sounds noble, BUT... Suzanne Ellis (posted about page 7) has probably made the most common sense response... two items from her posting....
'if Williams conditions have changed significantly since the contract was drawn up, (and they have), and BEFORE employment begins, is the contract still valid? Consider the inverse... suppose Button had turned into a Sato; 11 races, 1 point, Williams would have his contract up for sale in a flash, all the while Button would be demanding his seat in the race car!
If Button became less than what was expected at the time the contract was signed would Williams be required to 'honor' it?
Suzanne's second point... Williams gave up Button years ago for J-PM and Williams showed no interest in taking him back when old Flav dropped him, Button was left to fend for himself until he got the 2004 BAR up to speed.. only THEN did Williams want him back. And one might consider want him back only because both Ralf and J-PM were leaving! I think Button has sadly been mis-lead by poor management, He can't use that as an excuse, but that's history, at this point in time I think Williams is in breach of their terms, they are not now the party that Button agreed to at the signing. Engine supplier change, tire change, loss of major sponsor (H-P), I think Button has got a case. And a final thought, Has anyone seen a driver perform 100% when he's 'un-happy'? If Williams wins this what do they really win? If Button is foolish to 'not honor a contract' isn't Williams equally foolish to proceed with this situation? Button can't save Williams and continuing this only tarnishes BOTH names.
Matt Manspeaker
Unless the CRB totally reverses course or huge sums of $$$ (engines) change hands to 'buy out' the contract......Button should honor his signature on the contract and get on with it.
He needs to be held accountable for his decisions. Good, bad, or otherwise.
IMHO, I can't see him beating Kimi, Alonso, Montoya on a consistent basis and therefore he'll never be World Champion anyway
Time to live up to your end of the deal, Jense.....
Jim Rabb - Canada
Jenson,
If you've signed a contract to race for FW, then you've made a committment - legal or otherwise. Be a man, Button - honour your commitment.
Or, put another way, "Suck it up, ya baby."
Carey Jones - North Nowra, Australia
To Jenson,
Harden up and dry your eyes princess! Go drive for Williams you bloody sook. You have been quite happy to put your hand out and take some of Frank's money over the past couple of years on a supposed "option" contract now it's time to go and earn some of it. Becareful when you go outside as the wind might blow away all the tickets you seem to have on yourself. Try winning some races before impersonating a credible driver. In light of your performances this year, I doubt whether you could drive a greasy stick up a dead dog's arse. Twat!
Tony Geran - Sydney Australia
Button has been pathetic through all of this. He shows a lack of character and maturity by trying to wriggle out of a contract he signed last year. No one was holding a gun to your head mate, so why sign something you never intended honouring? Your BAR contract demanded a works engine deal, why didn't you insist on that with Williams? Just dumb plain dumb.
Frankly I don't give a damn whether Button drives for Williams BAR or Minardi next year. His actions just show him for what he is, a grasping capricious greedy so and so.
What about Mark Webber? He signed with Williams after turning down Renault, must he be rueing that? After all Williams had just renewed their deal with BMW when he penned his deal with Williams and now they have lost it again? What's he do? He honours his contract that's what.
Jenson, learn by Webber's actions and honour your word, otherwise you will be ever cast as the man with no honour.
Didn't the bard say something about what profit the man if he has no honour?
Paul Cajka - Sarasota, FL
Big deal about Boy Button. I'll care when he's an F1 race winner. The Schum was a race winner when his Ferraris were midfield material in any other driver's hands.
Take a hint, BB. Find a team and stick with it.
Alastair Stevenson
I think Jenson is being very immature. He is evidently rushing into things and making quick decisions on a whim. He needs to slow down, be patient and just take stock. Realising that he is VERY lucky to be in F1 at all, he neds to just be content with what he can get. You can't sign a contract and then just change your mind, more importantly you also shouldnt sign a contract on a momentary emotional rollercoaster.
Grow up Jense.
Carlos Toledo
Easy now.
I think the never-ending-increasing interest Sir Frank has on Button may be a great sign for Jensen's career ahead.
Sir Frank lately has had the sharpest eyes of all, as far as spotting new champions. Let's review the list of drivers who have driven for him in the recent years.
Alessandro Zanardi, Ralf Shumacher, J. Montoya, Pizzonia, Mark Weber, Nick Heidfeld.
Now, yes, i am being sarcastic. Who in the fudge would bet chips on any of these above mentioned ???
Yes, there were Villeneuve and Hill, world champions, but with a car like that even Mrs. Tatcher would have won races and championships.
Is everyone blind?
Big up yourselves, respect.
John Fulton - Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Jenson Button. Please. The guy's NEVER WON A RACE. What's the big deal? Who cares?
Nick Fry's not killing himself to retaiin Jenson. He's letting Jense deal with it.
On-the-other-hand, Jense has made his bed and should sleep in it. Honor (yes, honor) the contract at Williams and go and learn from Frank.
Paul Taylor - England
I am afraid it seems that Jenson thinks the world revolves around him. Unfortunatley he seems to be like a chameleon who changes his spots at whim.
Its unfortunate that Williams have lost BMW engines, and in addition yes they also appear to have lost there way on development, but i wonder what will happen if Williams make a success with Cosworth or if they get a long term deal with Toyota?- Guess what if in the meantime Jenson is at Bar- he will then be back to Williams saying that that is his real paternal team.
I think we need fighting spirit from Jenson not defeatist talk before he enters the cockpit, this surely would then assist in motivation of any team whether it be Williams or Bar.
There are many people who would love to be in Jensons race boots, so come on lets see a bit of Lionheart spirit and loyalty rather than waving the white flag.
Im sure in those circumstances Jenson would then receive( and rightly) full support from the British public.
Adam Zillin - Tokyo
Lets remember what this is all about guys, and girls. Its just another move on the chessboard.
i read one reply that Jensons move to Williams had nothing in the contract about Williams losing the works deal with BMW. That may be true but how many times has this happened in the past and still the driver did what he knew he should and drive the car he signed to drive? Its not rocket science here, folks.
Its plain decency and its always been a gentleman's sport.
I admit, as a person who raced professionally, i always wanted the best machinery available, as it would afford me the LUXURY of standing a better chance at the pointy end of the field.
Nonetheless.. I drove what i had to drive and thrashed the rings out of it every chance i had. Anyone who said Button wouldnt give 110% because he was driving a Williams is hallucinal and completely ignorant to a racers instinct. It makes sense why Suzanne would make such comments, without realizing this fact.
Only a racer knows a racers mind.
Perhaps Button has built a team around him at BAR, but, a contract is a contract and whos to say he cant do that at Williams? Somebody forgot to tell Jenson that he still had a CONTRACT and some day he might need to honour it. Was Jenson thinking it would all just disappear? Is he supposed to whinge and cry foul because someone (namely Sir Frank ) has decided to exercise the right afforded to him and retain the services whenever he saw fit?
Frank saw the potential. I did too. But.
It may make a great deal of difference to Jenson who he is racing for. Nevertheless, he is showing a great deal of disrespect to the person that brought him into F1 in the first place. Were'nt we all told not to bite the hand that feeds us? And yet here is the media darling ( or scoundrel, depending which side of the fence you are on ) taking everything up to the elbow!
Its clear cut for this observer. He has to move. And ill have none of the crap that he wont give 110%. He HAS to. His career is on the line. Doesnt anyone agree with that? The media and Jensons camp would have you believe otherwise, but look at it plainly and remember there isnt a driver in there who wouldnt give a Minardi a right caning any day of the week if he HAD to, as demonstrated by Shumi when he flogged a twin seater Minardi just to scare journos and F1 wannbes witless, never even mentally uttering the words to himself that the Minardi was a P.O.S compared to the Ferrari. No one is too good for ANYTHING. Of course it was, but, you didnt hear him whinging to Ferrari to build a faster version or dragging the matter through the mud infront of the media..
I rue the passing of Williams F1. Its my team and they are my boys. I thought the synergy of the two was electric but sadly BMW are saying their 'marriage' was largely unfulfilling...
Thats sad for F1, and for me. But, i stick by Frank and I give him props because hes one of the only guys in F1 to still call a spade a spade, and thats a rare quality. He is totally right not to back down to an upstart like Jenson, who has taken his upbringing in F1 for granted.
Heres a prediction.
2006:
BAR: Rubens and Takuma.
Williams: Webber and Button
Sauber: Villenueve and Heidfeld
Any bets?
Graham Thomas - Australia
God knows, Formula One is boring enough without looking forward to BAR having another season just off the pace! Jenson plus Williams - Cosworth could be something really sparkling to think about in the winter months. Frome has had nothing exciting to celebrate since Seppi Siffert won the British Grand Prix in 1968 for Rob Walker (with a Cosworth engine).. Go on Jenson – take a gamble for your fans!
Toby Bushby - Melbourne
Personally, I find the whole Button saga a bit tired already. The guy first said he didn't like B.A.R at all; He felt his spiritual home was at the house of Frank and Patrick; He signed a contract with them (clever). Of course, the whole thing turned into a mess and he was FORCED to stay with B.A.R against his wishes. But THEN the option on his contract draws nigh; Williams has had a mediocre season at best; B.A.R show they can actually understand their cars' problems and therefore fix them (unlike Williams), and THEN he says he wants to stay and he can't understand why a team (any team) would force a driver to work for them against their wishes! Is this guy chasing headlines or is he just stupid? Hold up a minute Jenson.... didn't B.A.R force you to stay too?
Hey, if the Honda boys want him, they can have him in my opinion. Williams have enough problems between BMW, Mark Webber's whining (we thought JPM was bad) and the now predictable poor performances without adding Jenson "backflip" Button into the mix again. He's damaged goods now anyway....
Greg Kopp - La Jolla, USA
Hey John and Jens, Start your own team.
It's the only way to go.
Tommy Julskov - Denmark
I’m really sorry for Jenson. His ruining a brilliant carrier for this thoughtless and stupid merry go round. Seems that he has been caught up in his own net. That’s why I see no other option that he should honour the contract he has with Williams and further more get himself a new manger and lawyer because they have shown the poorest effort in managing a drivers contracts and interests.
I see a carrier could be lost for a good driver. I he doesn’t full fill this contract he will loose a lot respect and will brand himself of untruthful.
Dear Jenson, when every dream there comes a curse. All the best.