McLaren confirm Jenson Button will join Lewis Hamilton for 2010
Jenson Button has left Ross Brawn's team to join McLaren
After days of intense speculation Jenson Button has finally been confirmed as a McLaren driver for 2010.
He will team up with Lewis Hamilton in a move that will see McLaren retain the number one on their car.
Which driver will score more points for McLaren in 2010?
- Jenson Button (14%, 511 Votes)
- Lewis Hamilton (82%, 2,934 Votes)
- Tie (4%, 147 Votes)
Total Voters: 3,592
Loading ...Ross Brawn earlier told The Independent he was “amazed” about Button’s talks with McLaren, adding:
His best future is with our team, where he has a good group around him, and there’s a lot to be said for that. The logical thing would be for him to stay with us, but of course logic doesn’t always prevail.
Ross Brawn
The surprising move, first reported by Alan Henry in The Guardian, will not only mean Britain’s two best F1 drivers today facing each other in the same team.
It will also be the first time two previous world champions have paired up since the infamous Ayrton Senna-Alain Prost partnership of 1988-1989, also at McLaren.
Button’s win-less second half of 2009 – after a dominant start to the season – led some to question whether he ‘deserved’ his championship. By taking on Hamilton he has an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.
With Button joining McLaren, Heikki Kovalainen is left to find a new team. There is a vacancy at former team Renault, assuming they remain in F1 next year.
The news also means Brawn – now Mercedes Grand Prix – will not retain either of its drivers for 2010. Rumours place Nico Rosberg at the team for 2010, potentially partnering Nick Heidfeld.
That would leave the reigning champion team without a race winner in its 2010 line-up. It has prompted speculation that Michael Schumacher, who was backed by Mercedes before he entered f1, could end his association with Ferrari to join their new F1 team in 2010. But so far there is nothing to back up that rumour, which would outdo even the Button move for sensation if true.
Has Button bitten off more than he can chew by taking on Hamilton at McLaren? How will Hamilton react to having a team mate with the number one on his car? Have your say in the comments.
Jenson Button joins McLaren
- Mercedes or McLaren? Button’s decision
- Mercedes Grand Prix take over Brawn for 2010 – but what about Jenson Button?
- Kimi Raikkonen to take sabbatical in 2010 as McLaren talks end (Updated)
- 2010 F1 drivers and teams
Press release
Sensational double World Champion driver line-up created as Jenson Button joins Lewis Hamilton at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Woking, 18 November 2009: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is delighted to announce the signing of the reigning World Champion Jenson Button to a multi-year deal. He will be partnered by 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who will be embarking on his fourth consecutive season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.
This unique partnership will mark:
- The first time in Formula 1 history that a team has started the new season with a line-up featuring the most recent two successive World Champions
- The first pairing of two British World Champions since Graham Hill [1962, 1968] partnered Jim Clark [1963, 1965] at Lotus in 1968
Jenson Button
2009 Formula 1 World Champion
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car #1
“It’s always a difficult decision to leave a team when you’ve been there for so long. But life is all about challenges – and, most important of all, it’s about challenging yourself. So, although I won the World Championship with Brawn GP last year, and I’ll never forget that, I was always adamant that I wanted to continue to set myself fresh challenges.
“So that’s why I’ve decided to join Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. You can’t help but be affected by this team’s phenomenal history. McLaren is one of the greats of world sport, and its achievements and list of past champions read like a Who’s Who of Formula 1 – Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and of course my new team-mate Lewis Hamilton. I’ve followed the McLaren team ever since I was a small boy, and it feels unbelievable to finally be a part of it.
“When I visited the McLaren Technology Centre earlier this month, it wasn’t simply the technical resources and the incredible standards of excellence that impressed me. No, I was equally struck by the ambition, the motivation and the winning spirit that flow through everybody there. And then there’s the team’s epic history: put it this way, the trophy cabinets seem to stretch for miles.
“From a personal point of view, it’s also a great pleasure to be joining a fellow British World Champion. Lewis has achieved an incredible level of success in a very short period of time, and he’s a wonderfully gifted driver who has earned the respect of every Formula 1 driver. I’m sure there’s plenty that we can learn from each other, and I’m really looking forward to using our combined knowledge to push the team forward.
“Also, I think it’s fantastic that we’ll be forming an all-British line-up. I know that we both fly the flag with pride, and I sincerely hope we can make the whole of the United Kingdom, as well as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes fans across the world, proud. Nothing means more to me than to be able to represent my country, and I’m looking forward to both of us painting Formula 1’s circuits red, white and blue for many years to come.
“While I’m fully aware that there’s a tremendous amount of hard work ahead, I’m absolutely certain that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be able to deliver where it matters: on track. I’m already looking forward to starting work with the engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre as we begin our preparations for the 2010 season – and the defence of my world championship. This is a team that always goes racing to win, and I’m looking forward to being part of that.
“Last but very far from least, I want to say that the 2009 season will always have a special place in my memory, and I’m absolutely sure that everybody at Brawn GP who worked so hard to achieve our World Championship successes feels exactly the same way about it. Equally, I want to thank the guys at Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, without whom we’d never have been as competitive as we were. I’m so pleased that I’ll still be using their engines in 2010 and beyond.
“So I wish all my old Brawn GP mates well in their new Mercedes Grand Prix adventure, just as I hope they’ll wish me well in my new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes adventure.â€
Lewis Hamilton
2008 Formula 1 World Champion
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car #2
“It’s fantastic news that Jenson has decided to join Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – and I’m looking forward to working with him and our engineers to make sure we kick off the 2010 season with a car that’s competitive enough to win the World Championship – but I want to send my best wishes for the future to my 2008-09 team-mate and now good friend Heikki Kovalainen, who is one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met.
“I already know Jenson, and we get on very well together. We both really want our team to succeed. Although we’ll be pushing each other hard, I’m sure we’ll very quickly establish a great working relationship. He’s an exceptional driver: very controlled and very smooth, and he has a real depth of knowledge and experience. I think we’ll complement each other very well, and our collaboration will make the team stronger as a result. Also, I’m delighted to be racing alongside a fellow British World Champion, and I believe we can pull together to make Vodafone McLaren Mercedes the best team on the grid.
“I’m sure Jenson has already started to appreciate our team’s unique culture and the special family atmosphere that makes it such an incredible place to live and work. We really are like one big family – and I’m sure Jenson will feel the warmth of that welcome from day one.
“Obviously, as a British driver, I’m also thrilled that we’ll be flying the flag for the United Kingdom, and I think today’s announcement is fantastic news for all British sports fans. I hope they’ll be giving us their full support when the season kicks off next March. I’m already looking forward to Silverstone – it’ll be massive!
“Looking ahead, I think the results from the second half of 2009 speak for themselves, and I’m convinced we can carry that momentum through the winter and into the new season. I’ve been closely following the development of our 2010 challenger, the MP4-25, and I think it’s going to be a state-of-the-art car that will enable both of us to consistently fight for victories.â€
Martin Whitmarsh
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jenson to our team. It has always been our policy to employ the two very best possible drivers – and, in Jenson and Lewis, we feel we not only have the fastest pairing on the 2010 grid, but also the two most complete, professional and dedicated drivers in Formula 1.
“Moreover, I’m confident that we’ll be able to successfully balance and harness Jenson’s and Lewis’s complementary skill-sets. Our engineers are already looking forward to working with Jenson, and I’m convinced that such a strong and dynamic driver line-up will make us an even more complete and competitive operation. Now we have to provide Jenson and Lewis with race-winning machinery.
“I want to make clear that Jenson’s decision to join us was in no way motivated by money. We’ll be paying him no more than he could be getting elsewhere, and that fact is a reflection of not only Jenson’s belief in Vodafone McLaren Mercedes but also his desire and ambition to build on the phenomenal results he achieved during the 2009 season.
“I also want to thank Heikki for his selfless contribution over the past two years. As well as being very quick, Heikki was and remains a great character whom we’ll all miss considerably. It goes without saying that we wish him all the best for next season, and would be very pleased if he were to secure a good drive for 2010.
“We’re ambitious, we’re motivated and we’re hungrier than ever. We make no secret of our ambition for next year: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes wants to win both World Championships – and, with Jenson and Lewis, we believe we’re better equipped than any other team in the pitlane to do exactly that.â€
Excellent. it’s gonna be great to see him and Hamilton in the same car. I always though Button should have been in a McLaren since the beginning of 2007 instead of Heikki, but now he has his chance, and as reigning World Champion.
It’s gonna be good next year…
I’d like to see Button and Hamilton in the same car, too. It’s a tight enough fit with just one of them!
*rimshot*
hehe that made me chuckle. though it was awful all the same
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
That is one awesome line-up. Eat your heart out ferrari.
hmmmmm, are you sure about that….
Massa – 320 points, 116 races
Alonso – 577 points, 140 races
Ferrari drivers = 897 points in 256 races and average 3.5 points per race and 2 driver WDCs
Button – 327 points, 172 races
Hamilton – 256 points, 52 races
McLaren drivers = 583 points in 224 races
and average 2.6 points per race and 2 driver WDCs
Clearly Hamilton has the highest average, not having raced for a backmarker, but I don’t think anyone needs to eat their hearts out…..
I think the line ups at both teams are pretty amazing. I really hope that the Ferrari and the McLaren are back to top form and these 4 drivers can fight with the Red Bulls and Mercedes/Brawn teams!!!!!
Couldn’t have said it better! 2010 looks to be a great year for f1!
If Merc, Ferrari, Red bull and Mclaren are all competitve we could have the best 8 drivers battling for the title assuming Rosberg is at Mercedes and hoping Kubica can join him. (except for Kimi of course)
well ok then, we got him. I dont think this is gonna be a pretty season for McL.
I am a McL fan to the bone but theres something about this am not liking. I would of rather have kept Hekki or Kimi.
I don’t see why it should be such a big problem. Everyone is comparing it to the situation in 2007, but I don’t think it’ll be nearly that tense.
Hamilton is better than he was in 07, and Button is not as good as Alonso, so they shouldn’t be rivals all season long. And besides, Alonso is a one off- no other driver would go in such a huff about perceived inequality.
I think the whole 2007 saga was all created by Alonso believing he should be favoured as the experienced driver… suddenly a “rookie” beating you must be annoying. If it has been few season in Alonso would have probably taken it easier.
(maybe the problem was Hamilton wouldn’t crash his car to favour Alonso
)
hey Ned want some humble pie????
I said it was so…
Actually AP I agreed with you. My point was you can’t believe all rumours you hear, otherwise Raikkonen will be going to Red Bull, Glock would still be going to Renault, Schumacher will be driving for Mercedes etc.
(By the way it would be amazing if Schumi did sign for Mercedes!)
I understand what u mean, some rumors are just thinly veiled truths, others are wild speculation.
Same here – awful news.
Awful for who?
1. McLaren get another champion driver.
2. Button gets a 3-year deal with a historic team, with good chances of wins next year.
3. British fans get an all-British outfit to cheer on, and we’ll see how these two really compare.
I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be celebrating…
the one (ok, maybe a few) problem i can see arising is how Mclaren will set up the car, will it be more understeer or more oversteer? will it be a massa/ kimi situation in 08 where ferrari developed the car away from the reigning champs style? will it be a mclaren white wash like last time they had two world champions?
Well im happy with the news, at least Button is better than Heikki
Awful for those outside of Britain who get the BBC feed and commentary.
They go no far too much about the British drivers when they are midpack, let alone when they are near to or at the front. It part of the reason why I dont like Button
Poor Button, being disliked because some motormouths talk about him too much.
Surely they’re worse about Hamilton?
The same things happens on Spanish TV (to an even greater extent), Italian TV, Brazilian TV – basically, the home TV station who provides the commentary will almost ALWAYS be slightly biased towards “their guy”.
I’m surprised at McLaren’s choice, but then again not surprised due to copious amount of speculation.
Button will have a hard time getting the attention of the team but from other forums, I hear that he is supposed to be well suited for next year’s car. Hamilton will probably not let Jensens number one status phase him as he’ll probably get preferential treatment anyway.
The rule changes for 2010 suit Jenson to a tee: narrower front tyres and bigger fuel loads, meaning more understeer and critical tyre management.
That’s not to say that Hamilton will struggle to match him… it’s going to be a fascinating season!
I voted Jenson will score more points just because next year’s regulations favour drivers who can handle tyre wear best and have smooth driving style in different conditions (varying fuel loads over the race).
Although it’s that black and white, I think it’s not that predictable to say LH will be that good over Jenson…
Maybe LH will qualify better, but Jenson will be stronger in the races.
Agree totaly with that LH vs JB
And Jenson might pick up more consistent points. Not wildly dramatic but it won him the championship this year.
Very very unlikely.
People were of the opinion that Alonso and Kimi would take time to adjust to Bridegestone tyres at the start of 2007. It was also expected that in 2008, Massa would struggle due to lack of Traction Control.
Both assumptions were proved wrong. Just a simple change in regulations are not going to change the pecking order of the drivers. It will change the pecking order of cars, not drivers.
Hamilton proved that he has overcome his tyre degradation problems at Hungary 2009.
Button however, never proved that he has overcome his qualifying problems.
Button will definitely be better than Heikki was in the car. But he will be no match to Hamilton.
I somehow think that Button was unwanted by both teams, Mclaren and Mercedez. Mercedez, coz. they are foolish to want to just 2 German drivers, and Mclaren, coz. they wanted Kimi.
Button just took the option which he had.
Awful management by Button’s negotiation team
the tyre changes are not that different from last year, the width is about 15mm smaller, its not that big.
the tyres are not going to be able to last the whole race, bridgestone have said that the harder tyres will last 25 laps of a 60 lap race, so 1 stops will be hard, and soft/ hard compound will still need to be used. thats not including increased wear for the first stint, so we are likely to see first stop lap 20/60, second stop 45/60, last stint of 15 on softs.
quite similar to last year, except staying out longer with less feul will not happen next year
This is awesome news. I love everything about it. I think most people feel that Lewis will wipe the floor with Jenson, and I include myself in that. But after consideration and a review of 2009, Jenson has got it. Without the pressure of bagging his WDC I think he’ll give us all a surprise when up against his new team mate.
Then again, Lewis is on such a mission to put the depth of experience gained during 2009 to the test and walk away with the 2010 crown.
Roll on March!
Wow. I was skeptical this would actually happen, but lo and behold. Either the best or worst move of Button’s career, and it’s all up to him now to prove his doubters wrong. Now we have two top teams with massive internal competition.
Either way, it’s going to be decisive: that’s what’s so fascinating about it. But if Jenson finds life tough at McLaren, he’s got 3 years to sort it out. I doubt he’d “do an Alonso” and be scared off by a quick team mate.
Despite all the build up over the last few days I am still slightly surprised Button has signed for McLaren.
While I still think that Hamilton should beat Button next year, as long as Button can get the car working for his driving style, as it will have been developed more around Hamilton, I think the issue of tyre management with no refuelling could make it closer than some seem to think it will be.
I don’t think Hamilton will have a problem with a teammate having the number one on their car, he will only have a problem if Button is consistently quicker than him next year.
This is a logical-sounding idea, but I wonder how much a car is developed specifically for one driver. After all, McLaren will always have to make their car suit two drivers, not just Hamilton.
And as cosy as Lewis is at McLaren, they cannot be absolutely focused on one driver: they are keen on getting that constructors’ championship trophy, and for that you need consistent points from both drivers.
There’s been quite a bit said about the contrasting driving styles of Lewis and Jenson. But what about Heikki and Kimi, are they similar to Lewis or fairly neutral? If Kimi had got the drive next year, would he have been fast in a Lewis-developed car?
Two British champions in one team?!? Crazy! I bet ITV wish they were still the F1 broadcaster. I think they would just pretend there were no other teams and rename the programme ‘The McLaren Show’.
We haven’t had England vs Germany in F1 since the mid 90’s, so it should be great. Obviously I predict a England win, but perhaps I’m biased…
I bet will be like that:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5xd97HeY70
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCrmjWw88ZM
LOL be painful to watch for the rest of us..
Hey it looks to be a cracker of a season can’t wait.
Poor guys at Brackley…..they never got their driver signing day. Marketing disaster for RB/NF. JB is an excellent driver and very marketable……good luck in your new team…..BrawnGP lasted a year……it’s now german!
Next Ross Brawn should leave.
You’re right, it is a bit sad for them. They had good team and driver consistency for 4 seasons, but a 2-year spell with poor cars. Now they are on a high with double championship wins and now Mercedes security — but they have lost two great drivers.
I can’t help but think that Ross is right, but actually this is a great opportunity to put to rest any questions about what he deserves. Everyone knows, whether they like him or not, how good Lewis is, now Button gets a chance to prove himself in the same car.
I just hope that the MP4-25 will be neutral enough in order to be tailored to each driver’s style. If the car is already designed to be more prone to oversteer (the way that Lewis prefers), setting the car so that Jenson can have a more understeering car (the way he prefers) will be much more difficult.
But, short of signing Kimi, I think that this is McLaren’s best chance of fighting Ferrari for the Constructor’s Championship.
Good bye Jenson!!
Atleast Kimi ended his career by a strong second half to the 2009. You, on the other hand are going to be smothered!!!
There, fixed that for you.
I can’t wait to see Hamilton destroy Button next year. Will shut my friends up for sure
But if you are wrong… then they will tell you sir to be quite.
Will be interesting… and hopefully not just for a couple or races.
Were these the same friends that were cheering on Hamilton through 2007/2008 and didn’t know who this “Jenny Buttock” driver was?
Ross was right.
I would rather the seat went to Kimi if I’m honest.
That said now I have got over the news it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. I don’t know how strong this line up is compared to Ferrari but it also is hugely dependent on the car.
This may work well but it won’t be a love in with the two garages and nor should it be. Lewis previously said his crown was just on loan to Jense for a year.
I think it will be amicable enough. Both Lewis and Jenson appear to be decent blokes and are not likely to throw a strop, like a certain Spanish fella.
Of course they are both highly competitive as all racing drivers are — they won’t be giving each other any favours on track.
Hopefully Hamilton will obbey team order for qualifying, unlike he did in Hungary 2007. I hope they get on well but can’t see it.It’s an strong partnership “for sured”.
Can’t help thinking he was still second choice to Kimi.
It will be very interesting next year.Button must have jumped at the chance to drive for Mclaren they should be much more competitive than Brawn Mercedes.I still think Hamilton is the stronger driver and Button may struggle to take away the Lewis love in Mclaren seem to have.
Yeah, they only confirmed once Kimi said he wasn’t up for it.
Poor man is in for a car crash, my enthusiasm upon first hearing is gone.
Well, its definately the second best way to fight Ferrari an thats is not a good way to start a season.
I understand how it looks to viewers at home when they see Lewis achieving all the success at McLaren, but I don’t think there is ‘Lewis love’ or favouritism towards him. I just think he has defeated both Fernando and Heikki as team mates.
I think McLaren will provide equal equipment and opportunities next year. But the deciding factor could be how Jenson handles things when his car isn’t perfect.
defeating who? equal points in 2007.
He scored more 2nd places. he was 2nd on the championship and alonso 3rd.
the same way massa would have been champion if he had won brazil and hamilton came home 6th, you cant deny it he beat alonso, fair and square.
lets please not start this again
BAD MOVE JENSON……
Ross is right. I can’t see how this is going to go well. Nevertheless, I hope it will.
Atleast we’ll see if he’s the real deal. However Ferrari are going to make McLaren look like a joke next year.
yeah right, we have seen all the testing and Ferrari looks business. the 2010 Ferrari goes faster than light, take that Mclaren!
yeah
going faster than light will help Ferrari win the 2009 championship … in 2010 
can’t go faster than light in a gravel trap!
Especially if you’re a chauffeur named Montezemolo…
Alonso gets stuck in gravel trap in first Ferrari appearance
Faster than light? So infinite mass then. Good job we’re not publishing fuel loads next year.
$:)(apologies).
Lol!
Haha! I don’t think the car is weighed when its moving though!
Get in, really happy for Button, i think he has done well this year and hopefully next he will at least keep up with Hammy.
Quick question, what number will Brawn/Mercedes carry on their car now he has gone?
Who cares, you can hardly see the numbers any more.
Probably 3 & 4, Red Bull kept Jaguar’s numbers when they bought the team. Plus they get the first pit garage which makes stops a bit easier.
If they’re regarded as “a new team” like Brawn were, pick a number between 16 and 27…no idea what order they’ll be in.
True, but the numbers dictate the garage order on the pit lane, so it is relevant.
Isn’t the thing that dictates garage order in the pits the finishing order of the previous seasons Constructors Championship?
This year McLaren had numbers 1 & 2 because Hamilton was 2008 Drivers Champion but as Ferrari were Constructors Champion in 2008 they had the first garage.
So unless Mercedes get classed as a new team they should get numbers 3 & 4 but get the first garage in 2010.
it will be Rosberg’s number 7 on the car.
Mclaren Mercedes
1. Jenson Button
2. Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes GP
3. Nico Rosberg
4. Nick Heidfeld
Redbull Racing Renault
5. Seb Vettel
6. Mark Webber
Scuderia Ferrari
7. Felipe Massa
8. Fernando Alonso
Williams Cosworth
9. Rubens Barrichello
10. Nico Hulkenburg
Renault
11. Robert Kubica
12. ?
Force India Mercedes
14. ?
15. ?
Scuderia Torro Rosso
16. Seb Buemi
17. ?
USF1 Cosworth
18. ?
19. ?
Manor Motorsport Cosworth
20. Timo Glock
21. ?
Campos Meta Cosworth
22. Bruno Senna
23. ?
Lotus Cosworth
24. Jarno Trulli
25. ?
Qadbak Sauber Ferrari
26. ?
27. ?
Would be my guess
I tought Sauber would keep their position…
Heikki to Renault i say
wow
I half expected it but now it’s confirmed it’s going to make F1 very interesting. Next season is looking good for fans!
I don’t how I’m going to be able to cope with the excitement about next season for the next 115 days. Button and Hamilton at McLaren, Massa and Alonso at Ferrari, the return of the silver arrows. It just gets better and better.
I’m not sure everyone should write Button off so quickly in the contest vs Lewis, the new rule changes will suit Button’s style more than Lewis who tends to wreck his tyres. Unfortunately the team will obviously continue to favour Lewis, so we’ll probably not get to see a fair fight.
McLaren choose a weaker team mate for Hamilton. Kimi may have given him tough time.
McLaren will prefer Hamilton in anyway and this time, Button will cry like Barichello cried in Brawn team.
That’s a bit harsh on Barry. He made one unacceptable comment but otherwise he was a great team mate, delivered two wins and contributed a lot to the constructors’ championship.
I don’t think there will be an “atmosphere” at McLaren next year. I imagine Button will knuckle down and does what is needed.
I can easily see the “You know, I have #2 on my car, I’m the #2 driver” again
Can’t say I’m a fan of any of the LH & JB, I just admire McL as a team.
Will be fun to watch
As for car set-up: it is easy to make an oversteering car to understeer: just lower the front wing angle – less front grip and by the way less drag which gives some extra top speed
Also mind the narrower front tyres 
Just putting narrower front tyres on will have much the same effect as decreasing the wing angle.
This seasons cars were inherently ‘oversteery’, and next season they should be more neutral or even ‘understeery’. And when you have 160kgs of fuel effectively stabilising the rear end, it’s going to have a tendency to want to go straight on!
Praise be!! The holy grail of racecar setup has been hiding in the mind of an unassuming F1F commenter all this time! Hey, why didn’t you speak up back in June, then Jenson could have won the last ten races and avoided all that “Is he worthy?” bother!
Please. Do a bit of research next time. The balance and dynamic weight shift of an F1 car as it rounds a corner under braking, turning and acceleration forces, not to mention centre of downforce changes, angle of attack and atmospheric conditions has a lot more to it than some numpty shouting “lower the front wing angle”.
Not sure you need to be such a douch about it.
A quote from Wikipedia:
“In modern race cars, especially open-wheel race cars, oversteering in high speed turns is caused mainly by aerodynamic configuration. A heavier aerodynamic load on the front of the car relative to the rear causes it to oversteer.”
A quote from me: F1 cars have to steer around low speed corners as well.
And as for the accuracy of Wikipedia…
alot of people say the new rules suit jenson more for next year.
well if you look at this years rule changes they seem to suit lewis. larger front wing, smaller real wing and smaller diffusers, it pretty much screams an oversteer car because less rear end grip! but that was not the case when the season began,
the new rules wont eithers driving style, as for jenson nursing his tyres, well first he has to heat them, which caused him big problems mid season, or have people forgot that already
Mercedes GP – 3 and 4
Red Bull – 5 and 6 etc etc
Won’t Merecedes have the 22 & 23 or similar seen as they are a new team effectively (a bit like when Brawn bought out Honda)?
They aren’t a new team – isn’t the reduction in Mercedes ownership segmented over two years and also McLaren already own part of the team anyway. Its not a new owner… one of the existing owners will now own the whole team.
Brawn was considered a “new team”, albeit without having to stump up the new team deposit to FOM. So why isn’t Mercedes Grand Prix considered a new team?
When Brawn took over Honda it was a management buyout. Ross and his buddies bought the team lock stock and barrel. This time, we have Mercedes buying a 75% share of the Brawn team — perhaps this makes it a different case.
i think red bull will have 3 and 4.
mercedes will have Rosberg’s number on it. so they’ll be 7 and 8 (i think).
mclaren 1 and 2.
williams will be 5 and 6 because BAR was 3rd in the champ, but can’t have the no.3 as that’s for the driver who came 2nd and is in a different team to the champ.
confusing i know…
I thought car numbers were based on the Constructor’s postions. The #1 and #2 will go to Button and Hamilton (as Button was World Champion he gets Number 1). Then Mercedes GP should get #3 and #4 (although I am not sure as they will be entering under a new name does that not change anything?). Red Bull will have either #3 and #4, or #5 and #6. Ferrari will have #7 and #8 – as they were 4th in the Constructors. Williams will get #9 and #10 (as Toyota and BMW were above them but both have since pulled out). Renault should get #11 and #12, unless they pull out. Force India will have #14 and #15. And Toro Rosso will be #16 and #17. I am unsure on how the new teams’ numbers will be decided.
This is a copy of a post a made on the subject of next seasons car numbers on the Raikkonen sabbatical article
There was a little debate about the numbers Mercedes would have if Button joined McLaren in this article
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2009/11/16/mercedes-grand-prix-take-over-brawn-for-2010-but-what-about-button/
Sorry I don’t know how to link to a particular section of a webpage, but I would say it is about a quarter of the way down in the same thread as the debate on Heidfeld.
Usually Brawn/Mercedes would have numbers 3 & 4, as after the team with the World Champion the numbers are awarded based on the Constructors Championship, which is what I personally think wil happen, but I don’t know the details of the relevant rules.
Some think that because of the Mercedes takeover it will be classed as a new team and will be at the end of the pitlane with the other new teams with car numbers in the 20s. But it may depend on how the takeover is classed as some F1 team takeovers this decade have meant that the new team inherit what would have been the old teams numbers but Brawn this year were classed as a completely new team so had numbers 22 & 23.
Rosberg doesn’t own the number 7. This isn’t football.
I think Lewis will score more points, but Jenson will score points more often.
Never thought this would happen for all sorts of logical and PR reasons, so good on you JB for seizing the opportunity.
I think Jenson will be quite relaxed about his team mate’s reputation. He has achieved his long term goal and can now enjoy the moment of being World Champ in a McLaren F1 car. I expect lots on 1-2s from McLaren next season. But who will be 1 and who will be 2? Jenson is almost certain to finish a race if the car does not break; meanwhile Lewis has the outright pace and will always go for the win even if he crashes in the attempt. That’s what I liked about Mansell, an out & out racer “Yes Frank, I’ll take it easy, promise†then the red mist descends!!!. McLaren are quite right they always try and get the two best drivers available and no one can argue with that this year. They are, after all the 2008 and 2009 World Champions. I cannot wait…..
Formula One’s other dream team might have something to say about that.
A lot of us expect Ferrari to be back on form next year. We’ve excused McLaren and Ferrari due to the champ battle last season and the big rule changes, and they’ve both made headway with in-season development. But if Fezza aren’t back on it in 2010, perhaps they have lost their way a bit.
Thats if Fernando isnt busy throwing his helmet at Felipe at the end of every race!
Aren’ the best F1 cars designed to have neutral handling characteristics so that they can then adapted to suit not only the driver, but the specific circuit too.
If that’s the case and McLaren follow that design philosophy then Jenson shouldn’t have an issue with car setup.
I wonder how quickly he can get in their simulator and start work?
I wonder what went on at BrawnGP / Mercedes to make Jenson walk.
I like Jenson, but I think Lewis will have the edge on him, not just in terms of ability, but car / team / support etc. and I think he would have been better staying put. So I am sure he would have thought the same.
I think Jenson has had the move forced on him, so I wish him well at McLaren and hope that it turns out that it is Mercedes that regrets letting him go, not the other way around.
This is what I think went on.
Jan->Start of season
Jenson: I’ll take a pay cut, but I’m taking one for the team. Bare this in mind.
Ross: ok
Mid season->Now
Jenson: I’m WRC leader/world champ I need a pay increase, I only accepted the large pay cut to save the team.
Ross: Sorry we can’t give you a pay rise, stay with us anyway on the cut salary.
Jenson: That’s a kick in the ********, it’s kind of an insult too after the pay cut I took earler in the year.
Ross: Do one!
Jenson: You’re mean
Ross: It’s just business Jenson
Jenson: McLaren want a chat with me
Ross: Fine, Hamilton will nail you, you daren’t go.
Later on…..Jenson thinks to himself…
Ross doesn’t think I’m worth it. People are doubting my talent a little anyway. There is no better way to prove I am a great driver than matching Lewis in the same machinery, their car should be good and Brawn could totally change now Mercedes own it. I’m off.
##The End##
My thoughts are, does any British driver turn down a McLaren drive? They are to Brits what Ferrari is to Italians.
His talent is already questioned by a number of people compared to previous world champions. He has less to loose than we think going up against Lewis.
Odd result isn’t it. Jenson has been very loyal through those two dismal seasons, and after wrapping up both championships you’d think there was no reason to look elsewhere.
In late 2007 Jenson (and everyone else at Brackley) was keen to see what improvements Ross Brawn could make and turn around Honda’s fortunes. Jenson has now taken advantage of that, but why move on now?
This is good for McLaren.
Not sure who will be quicker. Instinct tells me it’ll be Lewis who is quicker and will score better.
Jenson certainly sets himself some high challenges.
Maybe the 2010 rules will work in his favour though?
I can’t wait…. Oh the pain of waiting so long….
I suspect Jenson Button will regret signing for McLaren.
Lewis Hamilton went toe to toe with Fernando Alonso at McLaren and came out ahead. Granted, by that point Hamilton had been with McLaren for a long time but ‘07 was his first year driving for the F1 team as opposed to merely being supported by it. If anything, over the last two years, McLaren has become more and more Lewis’ team than it was in 2007. I’m not suggesting Hamilton gets preferential treatment but any team will naturally mould itself around such a driver who has enjoyed such superiority over his team mate.
The scale of the challenge before Button is even greater than that Alonso faced – 2010 could be make or break.
Button will get absolutely killed by Hamilton. Your site keeps falling over every time there is breaking news.
The 2 biggest losers of all this fiasco are BRAWN and KIMI.
BRAwn, coz they now have NICO and NICk , both of them are unproven racers.
Nick is there for ages and still hasnt been able to win a race.
And Nico, despite the double diffuers at the start of the season, he could not even manage a podium (TOYOTA managed 4 podium finishes last year).
And KIMI, wat to say abt this guy. Comeon man,u may be highly rated but u are as goodas ur last performance.
He should have grabbed a race seat and also, WRC will not be a bed of roses……. Shame kimi… get lost and have lots of ice creams
LOL at “have lots of ice creams”
Good news as it finally ends the speculation and bad news as it leaves Kimi without a seat for 2010… I’ll miss him. Just for fun, what does Hamilton mean by — “Looking ahead, I think the results from the second half of 2009 speak for themselves”?
I guess, this how media makes the news these days
One thing for sure, Button puts himself under pressure for 2010 by sitting alongside Lewis. I’m sure that it is most likely that he’ll be outperformed by Lewis.
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Lol I was wondering where you were mp4! Big, big shame about Kimi. Should be an improvement on Heikki (I hope he gets a good seat too)
I’m upset Steph! Never thought Daily mirror & Guardian could get it right!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww.
As a guardian reader my heart first sank when they “announced” the deal, not the mirror or the mail, i though if they say it then it must be wrong.
DAMN DAMN DAMN I WANTED KIMI
I think that 83% Lewis will beat him score says all really.
Sorry you’re upset Mp4 but the papers had to get something right about f1 at some point
At least it shows Jenson has carbon fibre balls.
I can see it ending in tears however!
Hope not! I’ll be supporting him.
Are they more painful than regular ones?
Podium ceremonies are going to be very short!!(Cuz macca are going in for a clean sweep) “God save the queen” is the shortest anthem played in F1.
Last time two champions were paired, McLaren whitewashed the entire field & hope will do the same.
Hope Button stands up to Hamilton. I tend to support the weaker ones. So I pledge my support to Button.
Watch out for the red team
What Manor?!?!?
hopefully Manor will keep their all black livery. (with red or white Virgin logos on it I suppose)
@Step: I hope they show up with good car next season, unlike F60.
@mp4: I would prefer mixed results, than a clean sweep. Clean sweeps tend to make the season uninteresting… we’ve seen it between 2000 and 2004. As you say, if only Mercedes had produced engine with current reliability during those years, Kimi would have given Micheal a run for his money. It would have been much more interesting, and Kimi might well have had another one or two WDC titles under his belt now.
you mean the red Bull team?
Noo I mean Ferrari everyone!
I think next year is going to be chaotic to be honest. There are a few contenders. Lewis Jense Felipe Fernando Seb. Mark at Red Bull though he is dismissed a lot
I am a huge JB fan, but i agree, going to be supporting Mc now, but i dont care as long as it is “God save the queen” and not the brazilian or Spainish antheme I’ll be happy!!!
Come on JB!
I’m a McLaren fan period.
I’m going to have a little bit of a problem deciding, I think i’ll stick with Lewis though, he’s been with us longer.
And 2007… nowt will be seen like that again.
Dont get me wrong, Lewis is a fantastic driver, and was in awe of his skill, i have just been supporting JB since 2000, but i have always been a closet McLaren Fan!
I am with you steph ….2 former champions are going to fight but i guess for the 3rd and 4th spot in the championship….2010 is going to be painted red…
Lol Arun my fellow Ferrari fan I’m very excited for our team next year!
I can bear the Brazilian anthem much better.
… and just about tore the team apart. Not dissimilar to 2007 (although there were other complications).
I doubt this will happen with Lewis and Jenson though. They both seem quite laid back with regards to their team mates.
Luckily they haven’t fired Rubens otherwise they might be out of drivers.
If Hamilton wants to win, all he has to do is put a pea underneath Button’s seat to induce mild discomfort thereby rendering Button useless :-p
Or he could just pee ON Button’s seat….
HAM could be a royal pain in the back by not doing any physical act – just moaning
Hope though he grew up a bit over the past 2 years
they pee on themselves during races anyway.
Is this the first time someone has turned down working with Ross Brawn??
yes.
says something about both of them doesn;t it.
And Ross wanted Jenson, he did. Now he’s got mush to work with, hope he can sign Vettle quickly.
Actually, I’m very curious to see how Rosberg will do next year. I think he has potential to be more than “mush.”
yeah…
I’m annoyed right now. I’m sure he’ll do fine. If he wins a race we’ll know.
I dont know that RB like anyone. He just took a completely competitive team and dismantled it over money. He used finances and going out of business as a way to get JB to drop his fee for 09 and now he is still crying poor moouth for 10. He ran Reubens away when he would hve been the perfect teamate for either butoon or Rosberg. I dont see them making the podium nearly as often next year. This teams logic still mystifys me.
He must have really disliked these 2 guys who handed him the wdc and wcc.
Before this move was confirmed, even after Raikkonen was removed from the equation, I didn’t want it to happen as I wanted Button to stay at Brawn/Mercedes, so I am quite surprised at how excited I am about Hamilton and Button together at McLaren, probably my two favourite current drivers at one of my favourite teams.
I would have preferred Button at Mercedes as unless they manage to pull off a major surprise, their 2010 driver line-up is looking the weakest of the four teams I think will be challenging for the title next year; Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes.
Although I like both Rosberg and Heidfeld, Mercedes rumoured line-up, neither are proven race winners, has a driver ever become Champion having not won before his Championship season? I know some drivers have only won once before their Championship season most recently Button and Alonso.
From a personal point of view I wouldn’t mind my favourite driver/team winning every race, although it would make the season boring. But as long as my favourite driver won in the end the scenario I would choose would be to have multiple drivers and teams challenging for the title and for it to go down to the wire, as not only does it make for a more exciting season overall, but in sport an achievement is even greater if you have to beat the best to do it.
I’ve been saying for a while: if Button had won six of the last seven races, how exciting would that have been?!
In the end, we can’t choose. Just because the same driver has led the championship all season, and there’s less tension at the end, doesn’t make it a boring season.
Jenson will play a strong #2 driver to Hamilton, might bag a win or two when Hamilton is having problems, but I don’t think he will ever get the upper hand.
McLaren however, could be in a good position for strong points finishes if they can keep Jenson focused and motivated after he realizes that he’s made a mistake by joining the team.
Prediction for next year’s Driver’s Championship, it will be a 3-way contest with:
- Alonso/Ferrari
- Hamilton/Mclaren
- Vettel/Red Bull
If Vettel can curtail the errors/retirements then it just might be his year.
Ha! You make that sound like Jenson would voluntarily act as Lewis’ backup
No, unfortunately I think Jenson is in for a rude awakening when he realizes that he can’t match Hamilton’s speed.
I like Jenson, happy for his champioship, but I think he is a good, solid tier 2 driver — not tier 1 like Hamilton, Alonso, Kimi, and Vettel.
Lewis has the ability to adapt to changing circumstances within the car. I don’t think Jenson has shown that he is able to do that this year. Lewis has also proved that he can develop a bad car into a good one. I know you’ll say that was the team, but the driver must have some input to it as well.
McLaren will not hold back one driver so the other does better, that just will not happen least of all at McLaren. They want to win, and if their so called favoured driver falls of the circuit that would be a self inflicted handicap by holding back the second driver. So I just don’t believe they would do it. This year Lewis got some development parts before Hiki, but that can be a risk too. The parts could slow the car or make it unreliable. When you are developing a good car that fighting for the championship you have more to lose. So you might put them on the unfavoured driver ie the one not fighting for the championship. This year McLaren did not have anything to lose by trying development parts so just went for it. Next year could be different.
Normally I’d agree with you, but with no testing during the year, I’d say the drivers influence on car development is significantly reduced.
I am not happy with the deal
Have you all forgotten how JB was commenting about his car last season? I would not like to hear such comment on our MP4/25!!
Well, I know Ron must have told him that….
If Ron is still in charge, will he make Button shave his beard and have an army style hair cut? He’s gonna loose his personality!
That is 100% “Definitely”…
About five weeks ago, around the time of the Brazilian Gp, I heard that Raikkonen had declined to do the pr work McLaren had requested him to do if he signed up with them. Since then, no one has touched on this subject, does anybody else have any information on this? If true, it certainly made McLaren’s decision to go with Jenson all the more easier.
In the past 3 seasons, how many times have you seen Kimi posing for PR photos or schmoozing with Ferrari sponsors? He obviously had a sweet low-commitment deal with Ferrari (perhaps in their haste to replace Schuey) and Kimi wants more of the same. Unfortunately, not many teams can let a driver get away with that.
Button is a good driver but the reason he won this season is because of the first 7 races if not for that catchup period that everyone had to take it would have been a much different story. Just look at the last 8 races Hamilton outscored button and won more races. Even though I like Jenson, Lewis is just going to have better pace easily.
It would be cool if Schumi came back though and not under the Ferrari name.
So Raikkonen didn’t want to do the Vodaphone commercials, I guess.
Button is a skilled driver—somewhere among the best of the second tier—but he is going to have some trouble because 1. the lack of permitted testing miles, 2. new engineers and new engineering, and 3. the pressure to repeat and thus quiet the whispers of “undeserving champion.” I would also point out that, as a very tall driver, he had the luxury of a car designed to suit him and manage weight distribution accordingly; he won’t have such a car at McLaren.
Yes and how many champions have been able to retain their title the following year?
It’s not too soon to forget that Alonso and Hakkinen did it, and Schumacher, obviously, a few times. And Alonso came within a hair’s breadth of taking three in a row—in a new car. In fact, since 1990, there have been eight repeats, and only six drivers before Button were not “repeaters” in that period. So, yes, if the car is good, Button will be under legitimate and fair pressure to repeat if he wants to be seen as a true peer of his recent WDC predecessors.
I meant “six champions” not “six drivers.”
Ah, so it is possible.
Completely agree.
Why on earth not? Kubica is also a tall driver. Are you suggesting he will be useless in a 2010 Renault because he is tall and they didn’t build him a car in 2009?
Racing cars are bespoke machines and driven by just two people. Of course the car is designed to suit both Lewis and Jenson. It’s only November, the MP4-25 isn’t finished just yet.
Jeepers its a landslide in favour of Lewis at the moment…so little faith in Jenson.
Would the result be different if we did this poll after Turkey?
As it stands now it pretty much reflects a poll the BBC had on their website which ran for about an hour or so after the news was confirmed, although it only had two options.
Which driver will be more successful next season?
17% – Button
83% – Hamilton
Total votes cast 20974
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8363892.stm
Good point. There was a lot of negative talk about Lewis early in the season, saying he couldn’t develop a car and that his time in the sun was over. How quickly opinions change eh!
Well that’s what proving yourself and earning respect is all about.
If 2009 was a championship for that then Lewis won by a mile.
Jenson will be quicker than Kovi though…
Precisely what Button is doing by signing for McLaren. We’ve heard stories of drivers such as Schuey, Alonso and Rosberg being wary of quick team mates. Thumbs up to Jenson for stepping out of his comfort zone a little and seeing exactly how he stacks up.
Brawn is gone, and now the World Champ as well. If MB sign Heidfield, it will be an all German affair. (Perhaps BMW’s decision to get out of Dodge, before Big Brother’s train rolled into town, wasn’t all about the economy ?)
It will be interesting to see how tolerant the team will be, if they aren’t winning. Second place, historically, never interested them much, and being defeated by your own engine….all the ingredients for a Teutonic stew.
And this with the ghost of Alfred Neuhbauer drifting around the pits…they had better keep the silver polish handy, something may get tarnished.
I don’t understand half of what you’re saying, but…
It sounds like Merc wants to continue Brawn’s cheap ‘n cheerful approach, so that will be interesting to see next year.
As Keith says in the article, Merc have given up a stake in a great team in order to have control of their own. If it’s not an all-out manufacturer assault like we’re used to, what will happen?
i would have loved to see marcedes vs bmw, unfortunatly with bmw out when mercedes was born, doesnt alow it to happen, then again audi have been roumered to be thinking of f1 entry in 2011 maybe under audi or even the porsche name, so we may yet to see a german powerhouse scrap
I’ve got so much to say it will just have to be bullet points:
1 Ross Brawn obviously wanted Jenson so he hasn’t got much clout in the new organisation!
2 Button obviously felt unwanted at Brawn/Mercedes so he was right to move,
3 Ron Dennis ran the team around Lewis I but I don’t that’s the case now.
4 I’m glad most of the posts on this forum are fairly pro Jenson, why do some people have to be so down right nasty?
5 Has Ross ever had to work with such unproven drivers as he will have for next year? What a mistaka to maka!
6 Go for it Jens (and Lewis) prove all the doubters wrong and come 1st and 2nd, I don’t really mind which way round.
Yay! An “Allo Allo” reference on my blog
Keith Brazilian sources reporting Kimi has signed with Mercedes. Do you know anything? Globo is meant to be saying it to. I have no idea why Brazil would know before Finland but how plausible is this?
Usually I’m sceptic of such reports but after today…
True it’s been reported by Globo, just cites the journalist Lito Cavalcanti of SporTV as a source.
Hear hear!
Does he know something we don’t?
Good spot.
Yea, the silverstone edition McLaren will have guns on the front of it, and RPG’s on the back!
He has chased a bigger payday than Brawn was prepared to offer. Pure and simple. He will be in a hugely competitive car and, yes, he will get some results because of it. But he should have stayed put. He will get buried by Hamilton.
Actually, if you read some of the reports detailing Mercedes’ reaction to it all, they reckon they offered Button more than McLaren did. Reports claim McLaren are paying Button six million, bu Mercedes were offering eight.
Really? What does that say about Button? Going to McLaren for less money? He thinks he’s going to be driving a better car? He just won the world championship in a Brawn. He sounds like he has the same people advising him as when he left Williams for Honda and then wanted to go back to Williams again. (Or something like that. As you know, it was a number of years ago.) Anyhow, Fry is less than complimentary in his interview with Autosport.com.
It says that money is not his priority. He clearly thinks that McLaren can offer him a better car, and certainly a more stable environment than Brawn. Yes, he won a World Championship for a team that, by rights, should not have existed at the beginning of the year, but it was a very stressful period. And now they’re undergoing another regime change. I you read the interview with Fry, you’ll see he clearly thinks Button owed his championship to Brawn and decided to play hardball.
The McLaren MP/4-24 was far and away the best car on the grid by the end of 2009, and will form the basis of the MP/4-25 for 2010. But there’s something far more telling in all of this: Button went to McLaren just as Mercedes left them. Normally, you’d think he’d be very silly for doing so, but McLaren may just have an ace hidden up their sleeves: Button’s best seasons have come when he drives for independent teams.
He was first for Brawn in 2009, third for BAR in 2004, and on debut with Williams, he was eighth overall, which was pretty impressive. At the same time, his worst seasons have been with manufacturers: seventeenths in 2002 for Bennetton (but by then they were effectively a works Renault team). Fifteenth in 2007 for Honda, and sixteenth for the same team in 2008. He does have the odd good season for manufacturers – 2003’s seventh place and 2006’s sixth both stand out – but for the mos part, he seems more comfortable in private teams.
Well, I think money is a part of his priorities. Yes, I guess he must think McLaren can offer him a better car. (Their history certainly points to that.) I do think Brawn is not a stressful environment. Ross Brawn has proven himself to be an excellent, no drama, team manager. Particularly since Brawn has now made it through their first year so successfully. I do think McLaren has a bit of change going on inside their team also. Admittedly, they have pretty big cash reserves to help steady the ship. Yes, McLaren was, in my mind, the best car on the grid at the end of the season. (Being run pretty close by Red Bull.)You make a good argument PM, but I guess my bottom line is that Button is going to have an awfully hard time matching and bettering Hamilton’s efforts. That fact will cause an unstable situation for Jenson. Hope he is up for the challenge. Apparently he thinks so.