Skip advert
Advertisement

Jenson Button Q&A

McLaren star Jenson Button reflects on the team's season so far – and his favourite Silverstone memories

Jenson Button Q&A

What are your memories of the British GP as a kid?

“Lots of Mansell mania. I grew up watching F1 in the eighties, so it was hard to ignore ‘our Nige’, particularly during the week of the British GP, when the media focus on him was incredible. Fair play to Nigel, he usually delivered – he drove amazing races at Silverstone and really gave mileage to that old adage that a home crowd is ‘worth a second per lap’. I don’t think it’s quite that much, but it delivered for Nigel…”

Advertisement - Article continues below

Is there really any home advantage at Silverstone? Or does it just add pressure?

“There’s a benefit in that you’re on home ground and you slip more comfortably into the weekend as you’re used to the environment. It arguably gives you a better read on the weather, because you’re more familiar with it.

“It takes away the unfamiliarity of racing anywhere else in the world – but I wouldn’t say that’s an advantage; it just makes the weekend different.

“It’s an extremely busy weekend for me – probably the busiest of the year.There’s a lot on your plate, from the minute you get up until the minute you go to bed, so that can be difficult to manage. But it’s a fantastic event: the track is still great, and the people are amazing. I always look forward to it.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite your achievements, would it be disappointing not to win a British Grand Prix by the end of your career?

“Yeah – a good result at Silverstone is always something that’s eluded me in my F1 career. In terms of points, it doesn’t matter whether you win in Montreal or Monza, but winning in front of your home crowd is special. Every victory is special in a different way, and I’ve taken a lot of satisfaction from winning in places like Suzuka, Monaco and Spa – all significant or historic circuits. Obviously, Silverstone is another of those places, and I’d love to win there. Will it happen this year? It’d be a long shot, and I think the fans appreciate that, but it’s always an aim.”

This is your 14th year in Formula One – how does the racing in 2013 compare to 2000?

“In terms of the actual racing, I think it’s better – and tougher – than ever. I miss the engines we used to have back then: big, 3.0-litre V10s with loads of torque. But the cars have improved massively since I first started in Formula One. You can’t compare the two eras, really. For me, the main thing is that I still enjoy racing. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning, and that hasn’t changed from my first day racing in Formula One.”

Silverstone is the eighth race of a long season. Will you and McLaren be race winners again by the end of 2013?

“I don’t know, but I really hope so. Everybody in the team is working incredibly hard to get us back to the front of the grid where we belong – and I know we won’t rest until we get there again.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Formula One Exhibition London: deep dive and tour with F1 Champion, Damon Hill
Mercedes W09 on display at London F1 Exhibition

Formula One Exhibition London: deep dive and tour with F1 Champion, Damon Hill

Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill shows us around a celebration of the greatest sport on Earth
Features
13 Sep 2024
New F1 movie: plot, cast, 2025 release date, Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton roles
Formula One car - side action

New F1 movie: plot, cast, 2025 release date, Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton roles

A new trailer has been released for the upcoming Formula One film
News
8 Jul 2024
Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari: F1 ace to swap Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025
Lewis Hamilton sitting next to a trophy

Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari: F1 ace to swap Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025

It’s the end of an era in Formula One as Lewis Hamilton agrees to leave the Mercedes-AMG team at the end of the 2024 season
News
2 Feb 2024

Most Popular

Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front

Ford Capri review

This is no sports car, nor even a retro reboot – rather a capable, refined and well-built EV that happens to sport a controversial name
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024
Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month
New Skoda Octavia vRS estate - front cornering

Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month

A fun to drive family favourite offers immense value for money at under £300 per month in today’s deal of the day
News
29 Oct 2024
New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV
Dacia Duster Hybrid - front

New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV

The first ever Dacia Duster Hybrid is a hit from behind the wheel, but better options exist in the small SUV’s range
Road tests
30 Oct 2024