In 2006 I wrote about my trip to the Monaco Grand Prix. There was much to see and do, and at the end of the article I mentioned 'one last sighting, a glum-looking Jenson Button outside David Coulthard's hotel'.
Funny how times change isn't it? This season Button can't help but win, and must fancy his chances this weekend in the principality. In the last race in Spain you realised how new this sensation must still feel to him. Heading to the presentation he had to ask, 'which way are we going - this way?' The poor guy had no idea where the podium was. Let's be honest, for much of his career, it's not been much of a concern.
There have been those who have questioned his ability and his desire during the lean times. That's never been fair to Button. Sure, he's enjoyed his fair share of partying in his Monaco lifestyle, but he's also put his money where his mouth is. Not adverse to contractual dispute, he paid a reported US$30 million to buy himself out of his contract with Williams and stay with Honda.
He only did that because he believed that he would have a better chance of victory with the team. And victory did come next season in Hungary, but ironically success was short-lived and he was left with a pig of a car to haul around the world's circuits the following two years.
It's great to see Jenson's doggedness has paid off. It's even better to see his dad in the pits celebrating. His lucky pink shirt and white trousers have become something of trademark, a kind of Saturday Night Fever outfit for the noughties. John Button has suffered with his son, now he's hell bent on celebrating with him.
About the only man who is suffering at the moment in the Brawn team is Rubens Barrichello. After the Spanish Grand Prix you had to feel for the nearly man of F1. He seemed a shoe-in for the win until Button changed pit-stop strategy and snatched the chequered flag. Just before the podium, the two teammates were overheard talking on camera. 'I'm really happy to win, but I feel for you man,' opined Button. 'It's OK,' said Rubens, followed by a deep sigh, his face a picture of pathos.