Pit Stop
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.
It's anything other than OK for the Brazilian. After years of playing second fiddle to Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, it must have been a shattering turn of events. He hated what he had to do at Ferrari and left early as a result. The man who made the strategy call for Button in the race was Ross Brawn, who was of course at Ferrari with Barrichello.
It must have felt like Groundhog Day, and like Bill Murray in the film, Rubens must be wishing he will wake up with a happy ending. He's certainly given his team notice, saying he'd rather walk away from racing than endure anything other than 100 per cent backing. Fairy tale though it might be to see Button race off to the title, who would begrudge the smiling Brazilian if he were to claw back the points to be crowned world champion. He'd certainly have earned it the hard way.
How good are you at poker? In the Formula One paddock a group of drivers like to play to pass the time. But at the moment it's the team owners and the FIA who seem to be playing a high stakes version of it. Yes, another column, another discussion of the budget cap. It won't be a very long one though. Even I'm getting bored with the endless machinations of F1 politics.
At least everyone's now agreed there won't be a two-tier championship next year. The good news is that everyone also acknowledges there has to be less spent on the sport if not how much less. Now, for goodness sake, get an agreement sorted and let us get back to the racing.
