Brawn GP
Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton reckon next season’s F1 title battle will be the toughest ever.
The world-beating Brits believe eight drivers could be gunning for glory in 2010.
New champ Button fears Hamilton’s McLaren team, Ferrari and Red Bull will get their act together after missing out this year.
Button, 29, admitted: “I think there’s going to be a big battle at the front which is going to be a new thing for all of us.”
“Having four teams fighting it out at the front has never happened in F1.”
“But with eight drivers fighting for wins, I think it’s exciting. Ferrari and McLaren are going to be competitive next season.” The Sun
The 29-year-old Englishman, who came home behind the dominant Red Bull pairing of German Sebastian Vettel and his team-mate Australian Mark Webber, said he believed the mental experience of achieving his first title would give him greater confidence.
“I have been through so much this season,” he said. “It has been like a whole career in one year and it has taught me so much about everything, racing and myself. I am sure to be a lot stronger next year.”
It also signalled that he is virtually certain to remain with the Brawn team next year and not make an unexpected and illogical switch to rivals McLaren Mercedes as team-mate to fellow-Briton and former champion Lewis Hamilton.
“I know what it takes now and after taking some time off I intend to come back again and be stronger than ever,” said Button. “What I’ve been through this season I haven’t experienced before. Mentally it’s been tough.”
“I’ve learnt a lot. I’ll for sure be a stronger driver when I get on the grid for the first race in Bahrain.”
But Button believed he deserved his title - as did his rivals - for his consistency through the year and his calm assurance under pressure in the final races of the season.
He said: “Getting on the podium here was what I came to achieve. The Red Bull was just a little bit too fast for us, but this race is a bit of a bonus for me. After winning the world championship, I came here to have a bit of fun and really enjoy myself and that’s exactly what I did.”
“The next dream is to get out there and challenge the rest of the drivers for the championship next season. That’s the most important thing. I will be 30 in the winter and I will have the experience now!” Khaleej Times
Both Ferrari and McLaren struggled to adapt to the sport’s biggest set of rule changes in 25 years because of the efforts they made fighting for the 2008 World Championship.
However, the only major rule change for next season will be a refuelling ban and Button said: “Ferrari and McLaren are going to be competitive.
“They have the resources, the expertise, competitive drivers, so for sure they are going to be quick.
“They’ve had a different approach over the last few races. If you look at Ferrari, they’ve said they’ve had no development.
“It is unusual to hear that as there’s not much that changes for next season.”
“But it seems McLaren have thrown everything at the car and have been very competitive over the last few races.”
“So going into next year, they’re going to be quicker compared to the start of this season.”
“But I don’t think they’re suddenly going to be stronger than Red Bull and Brawn.” Sky Sports
