Jenson Button should ignore all strategic advice on how to clinch the Formula One world championship and concentrate on doing it his own way. That was the advice given today by Damon Hill, the British world champion who has first-hand experience of exactly what Button is going through.
Button finished eighth in Sunday’s Japanese grand prix at Suzuka and goes to Brazil for the penultimate round of the season 15 points ahead of the race winner, Sebastian Vettel, and 14 ahead of his Brawn team-mate Rubens Barrichello. In 1996 Hill found himself battling down to the wire against his team-mate, Jacques Villeneuve, and did not clinch the title until the final race after a tense shoot-out between the Williams drivers.
Hill believes this is a crucial moment in the title chase and Button must follow his instinct and drive the way he feels his best for the situation.
“Everyone is looking for him to clinch the championship as quickly and decisively as possible,” said Hill. “But it’s his career, his championship campaign and it may be nerve-wracking to watch for those of us who are supporting him but he’s the one facing the challenge, he’s the one doing the job.” Guardian.co.uk
“He’s obviously still strong enough, he should be qualifying in the top ten or top six, so he’s well in with a points scoring chance, and he’s got a comfortable lead,” he said.
“If you just said that he’s fighting for the world championship with two races left and he’s got a 14 point lead, you’d say he’s looking very comfortable.
“But it’s the way in which he’s been eking this out, and spending points as he goes, to get to the end that’s a bit worrying.”
He reckons Button’s best option is to stay calm and not even think about the title in Brazil in a fortnight.
“There’s only so much one can do, and if you spend your time worrying about what might happen, you’re actually going to eat into your energy reserves that you need for what you’re supposed to be doing,” Hill said.
“One thing to consider for Brazil is that Rubens has put on a stunning charge at the end of the championship and he’s back on home soil, so he’s going to be well buoyed up.
“I think Jenson just has to look at this as a race entirely on its own, focus on it and just do the very best he’s ever done in his life.” ITV
Team boss Ross Brawn admitted: “Another two races like that and we just won’t do it.”
But Button roared: “I did all I could. I drove the wheels off my car.” Mirror.co.uk
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