It gets worse. Jenson Button flying budget airlines is not the half of it. Britain’s new formula one world champion had to wash his own overalls between races, too. And when the bill went in to Brawn for settlement, the accounts department reportedly knocked it back.
The portrayal of a team moving forward together following Button’s success contrasts sharply with the picture being painted by some behind the scenes. Morale among key members of staff, including Button, is said to be low. Negotiations over a new contract are at a standstill, casting doubts over Button’s future with the team.
Were Button’s former salary to be restored, as he expected when the good times returned, it would still leave him some way behind the wages of the grid’s top earners.
Button is not the only malcontent. A number of senior engineering staff are said to be upset over bonus arrangements. News of the discontent at Brawn has filtered down the pit lane, prompting rival teams, including Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, to attempt to lure the brains behind the championship-winning car with job offers.
‘‘No one has said anything to me about this,’’ Brawn chief executive Nick Fry said. ‘‘I am extremely surprised. We will look into any concerns that people have.’‘
About Button, Fry said: ‘‘We will be sitting down with Jenson after Abu Dhabi to discuss his contract.’’
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