Button vs Barrichello for drivers’ title
Rubens Barrichello is closing in on Jenson Button
Mathematically, there are only four drivers who can win the world championship this year.
Realistically, it’s unlikely that either of the Brawn drivers are going to be beaten. Can Rubens Barrichello overcome his 14-point deficit to Jenson Button over the final four races?
The Red Bull drivers aren’t giving upi yet, despite Sebastian Vettel now 26 points behind Button. Mark Webber, whose first-lap exit today completed a hat-trick of no-scores, is now 28.5 behind with 40 left to be won.
Vettel is not yet ready to concede defeat. Despite scoring only one point today he told the press:
The championship isn’t over – our target is to do our best, we’re here to win races and the championship, so we have to focus on that, all the rest is out of our hands.
Sebastian Vettel
But if the maths look bad for Vettel and Red Bull, the reality of the situation is even worse. They are running low on their allowed supply of engines, and are unlikely to reach the end of the season without needing at least one new unit – and the accompanying ten-place grid drop.
The Red Bull duo are now more likely to be overtaken by Kimi Raikkonen than take on the Brawn pair. Raikkonen has scored 30 points in the last four races – the Red Bull drivers have only managed 13 between them.
Before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull were rapidly closing Brawn’s lead in the constructors’ championship. Barring an unprecedented disaster in the final rounds, that trophy looks to be on its way to Brackley.
Before the Italian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton was talking about how he wasn’t giving up on his slim chance of retaining his title. Perhaps that was at the back of his mind today when he asked just a little too much of the kerb at the exist of Lesmo 1 on the final lap.
The most likely situation we now have is an inter-team battle for the drivers championship. We had one two years ago, between Hamilton and Fernando Alonso at McLaren, which ended up Raikkonen snatching the championship from the pair of them. But don’t expect the Brawn drivers to lose the championship in the same way.
Ross Brawn told the BBC at Monza “everything will be above the table” when it comes to discussions between the drivers over the final races. Presumably that will involve strategy, which could be a problem for Barrichello.
That’s because Button’s best way of guaranteeing the championship now is to do the same as Barrichello does. It doesn’t matter if he finishes right behind Barrichello for the next four races, that will be enough for him to win the championship.
What Button needs to avoid is other drivers getting between him and his team mate. Which is why his pass on Kovalainen on lap one today was crucial – if he’d spent a couple of laps stuck behind the Finn, Button could have ended the race third or worse.
Barrichello, meanwhile, simply cannot afford another one of the botched starts that have blighted his season. He may rue the points thrown away at Istanbul and Spa (and thank his good fortune that none were lost at Melbourne).
What’s particularly compelling about this year’s championship is it isn’t being fought by drivers who are qualifying in the front two rows and disappearing off into the lead. They’re qualifying in the middle of the top ten and having to battle their way past KERS cars to the front.
It adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the title race as the championship heads to some exotic locations and unusual tracks: Singapore, Suzuka, Interlagos and the unknown Yas Island. Who will be in front at the end of it?
More on the Italian Grand Prix
- Barrichello leads one-two as Brawn are back on top (Italian Grand Prix)
- Rate the race: Italian Grand Prix
- Italian Grand Prix result
- Rate the race: Italian Grand Prix
- Hamilton’s light car leaves him vulnerable (Italian GP fuel weights and strategy)
- Lewis Hamilton beats Adrian Sutil to pole (Italian Grand Prix qualifying)
- Italian Grand Prix qualifying in pictures
2009 drivers' championship
Image (C) Brawn GP
sumedh said on 13th September 2009, 17:52
nine drivers in the championship!!
Are we living in 2 separate timezones watching different championships, Keith?
There are only 4. Brawns and RedBulls. Kimi (5th) with 40 points can at the maximum be on tie with Button, but will have 1 race win less.
sato113 said on 13th September 2009, 18:00
perhaps even Bourdais could win the WDC if all the other drivers are stripped of their points! anything can happen… ;)
ajokay said on 13th September 2009, 18:13
Indeed!
It was 9 before the start of the Italian Grand Prix. Although that was realistically only 8, as one of those 9 was Massa, and I’d say it’s highly unlikely he’ll score any more points this season, especially enough to win the Driver’s Championship.
With Reubens and Jenson getting a good haul of points today, only they and the Red Bull drivers can now win.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 13th September 2009, 18:52
Wow. Epic maths fail. You’re right, it’s only four. What the hell was I thinking? Changed it.
Sri said on 14th September 2009, 11:07
@keith
Wow. Epic maths fail. You’re right, it’s only four. What the hell was I thinking? Changed it.
LOL! I really like your attitude mate!
sato113 said on 13th September 2009, 17:57
All Vettel needs is one decent result (a win) and Button to have a DNF in signapore. this will make the gap only 16 points with 3 races left. not too hard for him?
Ned Flanders said on 13th September 2009, 19:32
I can’t see Vettel even scoring 26 points in the remainder of the season, never mind 26 more than Button. I’m afraid neither Red Bull driver has any chance of becoming champion.
Where did it all go wrong for Red Bull? I was convinced after Germany, and even as recently Hungary, that they would easily end up as champions, but the car that dominated Silverstone and the Nurburgring can barely scrape a point at the moment. At least Vettel is still young, but I can’t ever see Webber coming this close to the title again…
Michel S. said on 14th September 2009, 4:34
When they switched back to the narrow nose cone, I thought they might be doing the same mistake Brawn did post-Turkey.. perhaps that’s the reason? They simply don’t have a good set-up for their current car configuration.
Tommyb said on 13th September 2009, 20:07
I wish. But he has to take an engine penalty too so it’s game over really
John H said on 13th September 2009, 23:44
Indeed, but I don’t think that Red Bull is going to be much use at Singapore.
…unless it rains of course…aren’t we due?
Matt Dilby said on 13th September 2009, 18:00
sumedh – I think he’s making the point Kimi can leapfrog the Red Bulls, not Button, based on his recent form.
wong chin kong said on 13th September 2009, 18:09
There are 40 points for Ruben to grab in the final races and he has a fighting chance of winning the WDC. What he needs to do is to maintain his fine form for the remaining races and hope Button have one or two DNF.
BrawnFan said on 13th September 2009, 18:15
I’ve downloaded Ross Brawn’s reactin after the race from F1zone.net its quiet interesting :D
matt said on 13th September 2009, 22:01
Why, what did he say?
MacademiaNut said on 13th September 2009, 18:20
Given the recent past rulings by the stewards, scandals, I think we have: “Stewardistically” or “Scandalistically”, anyone can still win the title.
sumedh said on 13th September 2009, 18:27
nice comment :-)
Tommyb said on 13th September 2009, 20:10
Not really I think the FIA want Brawns to win the title because of it being a ‘fairytale’. Last year they wanted mclaren to lose so they gave them lots of penalties
John H said on 13th September 2009, 23:45
I don’t think they care who wins to be honest – as long as it’s only decided at Abu Dhabi.
Hakka said on 13th September 2009, 18:31
You’re very good at picking photographs for the lede of the articles, Keith; very good touch.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 13th September 2009, 18:57
Cheers Hakka. With the unusual picture dimensions we chose for the site it can be tricky. Am looking at changing it.
sato113 said on 13th September 2009, 19:02
don’t! I like it how it is. another superb article keith. or as every f1 driver or boss would say ‘fantastic’.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 13th September 2009, 19:03
It was better after sumedh helped out!
ajokay said on 13th September 2009, 22:41
Yes, don’t change the extreme wide-screen photos used in the articles, it gives the site a sence of uniqueness, as well as demanding extreme creativeness with the photos, and they always come out spot on.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 13th September 2009, 23:36
I don’t want to reduce the total width, but I might make them taller. Am looking at a few changes at the moment, but haven’t made my mind up yet, and will post examples for feedback closer to the time.
Aardvark said on 14th September 2009, 10:16
Rubens won’t want this one any taller, it makes him look younger!
I think our photographer has the eventual champion in focus, and I doubt it’ll go to the last race this year, but this’ll be a refreshingly open, fair title battle between two good blokes.
Damon said on 14th September 2009, 11:05
No! Keith, don’t make them any taller.
The “wide screen” pictures look perfect, and soo cool.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 13th September 2009, 18:54
Some bizarre and ludicrous statements have been posted accusing someone of racism. For obvious reasons these comments have been taken down.
Net Sticks said on 13th September 2009, 18:57
It’s do sure one of these two and I’m happy about it, cause either one deserve it for a long time.
I was pulling for Button, but after his ‘break-down’ in the last few races, my wish is now to see Rubbens win – he’s the original “Mr. Nice Guy” my nice and funny, with respect to and from all the drivers.
And after what he suffered at Ferrari, being the Schumacher’s helper for some Seasons, he really deserves it. And Button will stay around for more time, so he will get another shot at it, I’m sure. Formula One is not yet ready (and I hope never) to be ruled by some Vettel or any other german… It’s still too soon after all those years only hearing and seeing Schumacher – it’s no fun – it’s tiresome… it’s BAD to Formula One and to all the fans!
I’m not a Ross Brawn fan but I’m a fan of both his drivers :)
Lynn said on 13th September 2009, 19:07
Ruben can do it. It would be great if he could win it, always liked Ruben’s. Ruben’s really deserves it. Jenson still has plenty of time in F1 and may be he will be able to cope with the pressure better since he will know what it feels like. Pulling for Ruben’s go for it, you can do it.
djdaveyp said on 13th September 2009, 19:19
I think Ross Brawn does right to let his drivers race each other! As there is very little chance of the WDC not being one of his drivers and the CC pretty much in the bag he might as well let them decide between themselves who wins it!
I do have to add a big COME ON JENSON to it though!
aero said on 13th September 2009, 19:23
Barrichello was my pre-season pick for WDC, and I hope Rubens does it, but realistically you have to say that Jenson has the better odds. A DNF for Button with Barrichello winning in the next race would hot things up nicely though!
Damon said on 13th September 2009, 19:43
You know what? Hamilton earned great respect from me with his performance today – and not ‘despite’ but ‘because of’ his final lap. He didn’t hold back, he didn’t settle for “second” [which was the third place] but he fought his best ’til the end. He’s a real racing driver and he’s a fighter – I love it.
mp4-19b said on 13th September 2009, 19:49
That is the difference between Hamilton & Schumacher.
Damon said on 13th September 2009, 20:05
That is the similarity between Hamilton & Senna.
Patrickl said on 13th September 2009, 21:27
Yeah, I know people don’t like hearing it, but Hamilton does remind me a sometimes of Senna too.
The way he overtakes cars on track and this race the way he crashed out. It is just like Senna crashing out of Monaco or Brazil for pushing too hard.
BT52/B said on 13th September 2009, 23:16
I agree with Damon about Hamilton today. He could have stayed cool and finished in third (and probably wished he did), but by going to the limit for those two extra points showed to me that he strives for the maximum possible, and that is a quality I admire and respect, and one that Senna possessed (although he was more of a perfectionist).
Dane said on 14th September 2009, 1:58
I thought the main difference between them is 6world titles, 81wins & 73fastest laps
Patrickl said on 14th September 2009, 8:53
For now yes.
FLIG said on 14th September 2009, 9:19
Hahahahahah “For now” hgahahahahufhdsufi\l
Damon said on 14th September 2009, 11:16
No, Dane, you got it a bit wrong.
Hamilton 2.5 seasons into his career:
8 wins
1 World Championship
1 runner-up in WDC
9 Pole Positions
Schumacher 2.5 seasons into his career:
2 wins
0 World Championships
0 Pole Positions
Now you can see the difference, can’t you?
Guilherme said on 14th September 2009, 13:47
Schuamcher’s first two Benettons weren’t the best cars on the grid, unlike Hamilton’s first two McLarens, yet Schumi finished 3rd in his first full season (when also the grid had legends like Mansell and his flying Williams and Senna.)
Failed comparision.
Damon said on 14th September 2009, 14:21
I totally agree with you, Guilherme.
I was just making a point.
Schumi didn’t win 7 WDCs in 2.5 seasons, did he? :]
his_majesty said on 14th September 2009, 22:08
calm down children, people such as alonso and kimi will be remembered as legends as well, you just can’t say best ever. Best for that time you can argue. Put senna in say juan manuel fangio’s car at that time he may have looked like piquet jr. dragging his flat feet around. Likewise other way around. I realize that’s quite a jump but you get the point. Since michael’s little neck hurts we can’t ever see. It’s all part of this great game called LIFE.
Nomad Indian said on 13th September 2009, 19:45
An unrelated query Keith, coz I didnt know where to ask-
Is anybody else having trouble with the live blog screen? I mean I have a good laptop and no problems on any other blogs or sites with constant updates, but I just cant use the live blog. Its impossible to scroll back(or forward)… I can barely read any of the comments much less check whether any of mine got posted or not… I know there are loads of comments every second but then everyone should have that problem. Is it so?
Ned Flanders said on 13th September 2009, 19:47
In my opinion, neither Button or Barrichello are the best drivers in F1 right now. To be brutally honest (and I know not everyone will agree with this) I’d say whoever wins the championship may well be one of the weakest F1 champions in a long time.
Yet I think it’s great that so many drivers have had a chance to resurect their careers this season. By 2006- 2007 I thought the likes of Webber, Trulli, Barrichello, Fisichella and even Button were finished. It’s great that they’ve all had their time in the limelight this year.
I’d like Barrichello to win the title. It would be an amazing story- a driver in his 18th season, who was all set to be dropped after ’08, in a car that barely made it to the grid, fighting back from 30- odd points back to triumph. But then I’d feel sorry for Button…
BT52/B said on 13th September 2009, 23:19
I agree that BUT and BAR are not the best drivers on the grid today (I’d choose Raikonnen and Hamilton), but I don’t think they’d be one of the weakest title winners. In fact, I see 2009 as a inspiring story about second acts and how not to give up, very happy to see Barrichello and Button recieving the accolades. Never give up.
Superbus said on 15th September 2009, 3:27
This is like, the first time I read about someone agreeing with me on who are the best drivers. But it was quickly followed by the second, when I saw Steph90′s comment. And then all of the comments below…
Anyway, I think Barrichello would be the driver that deserves it the most: the guy has had a respectable career and winning the WDC would be a good way to top that.