Pushing the Right Button
Jenson Button
Friday, May 1st, 2009
Of course, headlines that relate to F1 competition, not the number of damsels he takes to bed with reckless abandon, a champion lothario in his own right. Punters had staked a good start for the usual suspects Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen ...
Most F1 fans in Kenya have certainly never ever heard of the Brawn team driver. Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, or just Jenson Button was born on January 19th 1980 in Somerset, UK. He began single seater racing at the age of 17, where he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1999, he won the British Formula Three championship's rookie of the year award. Jenson's success was enough to attract the attention of F1 boss Sir Frank Williams in 2000. The Williams team chief promptly signed the then 20-year old to partner Ralf Schumacher for the forthcoming F1season. In his first season Jenson scored a respectable 12 points but that wasn't enough to secure his seat for the next season. Jenson moved to the Benetton team in 2001 before moving on again in 2002 to the new BAR team. In the 2004 Jenson stepped on to the podium ten times and amassed 85 points over the season. He was firmly in contention for the championship until Michael Schumacher took the honours once again. Button's success taste buds seem to have been sharpened by team boss Ross Brawn who rescued a flagging career with the buy-out that saved the former Honda team. Without this, Button's F1 exploits were as sure as over- without a championship win. "Button's patience with the team has paid off in the most spectacular way - Brawn have produced a fast if controversial car, and the 29-year-old Englishman at last has the chance to fulfil his potential," writes BBC Sports Commentator Martin Brundle. "The team still have a lot of hurdles to clear to secure a long-term future, but this is a golden opportunity for Button to prove his supporters right and his detractors wrong."
Ever when facing an uncertain future prior to the start of the current season, Button never doubted himself through all this and he mind-managed the emergence of Lewis Hamilton as top Brit in a restrained yet steely manner. "Now he looks like having a chance to race at the front consistently, he will also have to demonstrate the killer instinct and high-level consistency which marks out all the true champions," says Brundle.
Recently, Button had a Q and A interview with the BBC:What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula One driver?
Wow, wow - and wow
What is the biggest perk of the job?
Racing a Formula One car against the best drivers in the world - it's as simple and amazing as that.
How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?
As a world champion and someone who worked very hard to build a strong team.
What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?
Luckily I haven't had too many. I'd say forgetting my bicycle saddle when I went to compete in a triathlon.
Who is the worst dressed Formula One driver?
He has already left F1 (Michael we miss you).
Ayrton Senna or Alain Prost
In my view it would be wrong to try to choose between them. They both had some amazing qualities.
Spa or Monaco?
For me, Spa is more of a fun circuit because you can race and overtake. Monaco is intense but I prefer a circuit where you can really race.
If you weren't an F1 driver what would you be?
I get asked this question a lot and I really struggle because I really can't envisage ever being anything else other than an F1 driver.
Who is the greatest sportsman of all time?
That's also a tough one because there are so many great sportsmen and sportswomen in their respective disciplines. I would have to say that Michael Schumacher's dedication to the sport has shown that he is both talented and willing to give everything to be the best. I'll also say Lance Armstrong because of how many times he has won the Tour de France.
What would be your perfect day off?
Lying on a beach with my girlfriend, a bit of reading, a bit of scuba diving, then a nice massage.
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
The South of France. It's great that it's right on my doorstep. Great food and great beaches.
Apart from a house what is the most expensive thing that you own?
My motor home, which I am parting company with very soon.
What is your favourite item of clothing?
A pair of white Converse trainers
What is your favourite music to drive to?
I like old tunes when I'm driving. They're fun and uplifting. Billy Ocean, that kind of thing.
Which famous person - dead or alive - would you like to have dinner with and why?
The Queen. I think she has an amazing story, and yes, she can bring the corgis, no problem.
Tell us something about yourself that most F1 fans might not know.
In my hometown there is a pub named after me - The Frome Flyer on Jenson Avenue. How cool is that?!
Steve McQueen or Paul Newman?
Steve McQueen, king of cool. Le Mans is the only racing movie that is totally realistic.
Boxers or briefs?
Boxers for sure.
Angelina Jolie or Keira Knightley?
Angelina. Apart from the obvious, I really admire her. She does a lot of great humanitarian work and it's important to give something back.
James Bond or Austin Powers?
James Bond, but only Daniel Craig because he does the rough and tough stuff. I think every guy likes to imagine themselves in the James Bond guise.
