1302 replies to this topic

[DrDickAction]

you should take a look at MotoGP...
close racing, racing personalities, no real off track drama, great fan interaction...
everything F1 should be...

if you can get Catalunya race of this season... that's a good starting point... epic battle...

I think the crazy off track drama is part of what makes the sport appealing...to a certain extent. Things have been a bit overboard starting with macca spygate.

[vietlol]

F1 is quickly turning into a "batshit insane, attention whoring, needy girlfriend"

But it's the only competitive sport that I watch at all these days so

I watch pro starcraft a lot more competitive than F1

[Nacho]

why does every website post this? Button hasnt won shit before this year except lucking into a win in 06 then spending 2 years fighting for last place with boobens, now he finally gets a dominant car and suddenly he is some sort of driving god? I swear the journos are retarded

He's still won a championship, while Nick and Nico haven't even won.

[DrDickAction]

He's still won a championship, while Nick and Nico haven't even won.

The point was that Button hadn't really won shit before this season, and he did just fine. Just because Nico hasn't won a race doesn't mean he couldn't bust out 6 wins in 7 races with a car as dominant as the Brawn.

[Nacho]

friendly update: james allen is running a contest on his blog where if you name the same best drivers of the season as him, he'll send you a free signed copy of his book. takes just a minute to post up.

the most popular lineup seems to be button, hamilton, boobens, vettel, and webber. just happens that's what i went with too.

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/

Hamilton - 4th in Australia (later DSQ'd) and rather dominant in the last half of the season (ignoring the mechanical that got him at Abu Dhabi) as soon as he got a car that was even remotely capable. Flattered his car more than anyone else in 09.

Button - 6 wins in 7 races is hard to argue with. Mid season slump, but Brazil and Abu Dhabi showed him to be seemingly back on his pace. Only failed to score when he was collected at Spa.

Vettel - Always a threat on track. Couple accidents and/or mechanicals hurt him more than his rivals, but was still able to snatch second from Rubens in the closing races. And when he won, he generally had a dominant drive, if not weekend.

Rubens - Late-season charge against his teammate kept him 2nd in the championship until nearly the very end when bad luck in Brazil reared it's head again.

Kimi - I really wanted to say Webbo, but I think Kimi's late-season drives against his fill-in teammates proved what he was doing with that miserable car. Shame he didn't show up until after Massa's incident.

[yonson]

Hamilton - 4th in Australia (later DSQ'd) and rather dominant in the last half of the season (ignoring the mechanical that got him at Abu Dhabi) as soon as he got a car that was even remotely capable. Flattered his car more than anyone else in 09.

Button - 6 wins in 7 races is hard to argue with. Mid season slump, but Brazil and Abu Dhabi showed him to be seemingly back on his pace. Only failed to score when he was collected at Spa.

Vettel - Always a threat on track. Couple accidents and/or mechanicals hurt him more than his rivals, but was still able to snatch second from Rubens in the closing races. And when he won, he generally had a dominant drive, if not weekend.

Rubens - Late-season charge against his teammate kept him 2nd in the championship until nearly the very end when bad luck in Brazil reared it's head again.

Kimi - I really wanted to say Webbo, but I think Kimi's late-season drives against his fill-in teammates proved what he was doing with that miserable car. Shame he didn't show up until after Massa's incident.

Mine is identical to yours other than swapping Webber for Woobens...

[Nacho]

The point was that Button hadn't really won shit before this season, and he did just fine. Just because Nico hasn't won a race doesn't mean he couldn't bust out 6 wins in 7 races with a car as dominant as the Brawn.

I'd still prefer a WDC winning driver over someone who's 'potential' has been talked about for years, but hasn't really shown much in practice (well, in races, we all know Nico can win a practice like no one else).

That and I think i generally dislike 2nd generation F1 drivers. They seem to be in more because of Dad's name than talent (except Damon Hill, who i seem to like, for whatever reason).

[Nacho]

Mine is identical to yours other than swapping Webber for Woobens...

I took Booben's senior citizen status into account. :x

That and he seemed to REALLY want it at the end of the season. More so than even Vettel.

[yonson]

I took Booben's senior citizen status into account. :x

That and he seemed to REALLY want it at the end of the season. More so than even Vettel.

Yeah, I had considered that too, but I like Webber more than Woobens so I picked him

[Nacho]

Yeah, I had considered that too, but I like Webber more than Woobens wo I picked him

Understandable.

If DC was still on the grid, he'd be on my list. :x

[Nacho]

Seem's Button's McLaren deal isn't done yet

Brawn against Button McLaren switch

By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, November 18th 2009, 05:35 GMT

Ross Brawn believes that Jenson Button's future in Formula 1 would be best served by staying at the team that helped make him a title winner, rather than make the switch to rivals McLaren.

Despite mounting speculation that Button is close to signing a contract to join McLaren, having agreed terms with the Woking-based team, Brawn is adamant about where the world champion should drive in 2010.

"Negotiations [with Button] are continuing and the reports that he has already agreed terms with McLaren are not helpful. I would be amazed if that were the case," Brawn told The Independent newspaper.

"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."

Talks between Button and Brawn stalled after the two parties could not agree financial terms for a new deal - with Button's camp adamant that he deserved a wages hike after taking a £5 million pay cut for this year.

But with Brawn's finances tight, even following its takeover by Mercedes-Benz, the team and driver could not agree on a figure before McLaren entered the equation.

Brawn CEO Nick Fry told Radio 5 earlier this week that his team would not get involved in an auction for Button's services.

"We've had discussions with Jenson on what we think is a sensible salary and this is not going to change anything," Fry said about the impact of the team becoming Mercedes Grand Prix. "We're running with a budget that is probably less than most and that's what Mercedes likes."

McLaren appears set on finalising a deal with Button, having broken off talks with Kimi Raikkonen about a deal for 2010 – which has left the Finn facing a sabbatical next year.

Mercedes GP will run Nico Rosberg in one of its cars next season, with speculation having linked Nick Heidfeld with the other seat should Button jump ship.

Honestly, Brawn, as usual, is correct. Button should stay at Brawn/Mercedes. He's been there this long that everything is a known factor there vs the all-new atmosphere at McLaren. Mercedes isn't going to shake up a winning formula too much, if they're smart.

I'd prefer if Jenson stayed at Brawn, and Nick or Kovi had the 2nd McLaren seat. Probably Nick over Kovi. Not that I dislike Kovi, I was just rather disappointed in his performance this year.

[vietlol]

I'd still prefer a WDC winning driver over someone who's 'potential' has been talked about for years, but hasn't really shown much in practice (well, in races, we all know Nico can win a practice like no one else).

That and I think i generally dislike 2nd generation F1 drivers. They seem to be in more because of Dad's name than talent (except Damon Hill, who i seem to like, for whatever reason).

Well at least they are showing 'potential' everyone wrote off Button before this season started, because he hasnt done anything of note other than be runner up to Ferrari back in 04. Fortunes change pretty quickly and given an awesome car half the field could win the WDC. There are only a few drivers who look special.

[chiuey]

Seem's Button's McLaren deal isn't done yet

Honestly, Brawn, as usual, is correct. Button should stay at Brawn/Mercedes. He's been there this long that everything is a known factor there vs the all-new atmosphere at McLaren. Mercedes isn't going to shake up a winning formula too much, if they're smart.

I'd prefer if Jenson stayed at Brawn, and Nick or Kovi had the 2nd McLaren seat. Probably Nick over Kovi. Not that I dislike Kovi, I was just rather disappointed in his performance this year.

I couldn't agree more. Jenson needs to stay put if he wants another shot at the title. Yes he is a deserving champion, but he's not one of those special drivers, and everyone can see that. He's good, and strives well in a situation where the team can give him the attention he needs. At McLewis, he won't even get half a chance, they just want his #1 to spite Mercedes.

[mads]

what happened to skyliner? did he die?

[vietlol]

CONFIRMED

Button joins Hamilton at McLaren
By Matt Beer Wednesday, November 18th 2009, 12:49 GMT



Jenson Button will move to McLaren-Mercedes next season to join compatriot and fellow world champion Lewis Hamilton, the team has confirmed.

The announcement of a multi-year deal between Button and McLaren follows weeks of feverish speculation about the champion's future, which was heightened when he paid a visit to the McLaren factory last Friday.

Although Button was initially expected to remain with the Brawn team that took him to the 2009 title, talks with Ross Brawn's squad reached an impasse over the issue of Button's salary. The Briton had taken a pay cut to help the team when Honda's exit left it in a delicate financial position, but now sought a wage increase having clinched the championship - and given that Brawn's finances would become more healthy following its takeover by Mercedes-Benz.

"It's always a difficult decision to leave a team when you've been there for so long," said Button. "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."

McLaren had originally lined up Kimi Raikkonen to fill its second seat, but these talks also broke down during pay discussions, leading to Raikkonen's decision to take a year off from Formula 1 next year, and leaving the way clear for Button to take the vacant McLaren drive as he was unable to agree a suitable deal with Brawn and Mercedes.

Button's move ends a seven year relationship with his previous team, which he joined when it was still known as BAR in 2003, and stayed with through its difficult seasons under Honda ownership prior to this year's fairytale success.

He said he had been deeply impressed by McLaren since beginning talks with the squad.

"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," Button said. "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."

With Button no longer in the frame, Nico Rosberg is expected to be announced as Mercedes' lead driver for its new works F1 assault with the erstwhile Brawn team, with Nick Heidfeld linked to the second seat.

Button replaces Heikki Kovalainen at McLaren. The Finn took only one win during his two seasons as Hamilton's team-mate, and struggled for race pace this season despite some strong qualifying performances.

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/80197



Bearded one to Mercedes?

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

about the new teams: as long as it's not like Jag, I mean Spyker, I mean FI... then I'm okay with it... I want long term stuff not a couple teams having a budget for a couple seasons then selling themselves to the next highest bidder... if that's what it comes down to, I'm done with F1...

about kimi: oh well Vettel now has my full backing with Senna as my backup... good luck kimi with whatever you do next...

IB USF1 sells...

[chiuey]

My sincere apologies for those of you who will be following the BBC coverage of F1 next year. You will never in you lives ever hear such sack riding commentry of Jenson and Lewis in any other lifetime.

But on a side not, I would love nothing more than to see McLewis put on a British racing green livery on their cars, and have renault go with a blue livery. That would be the shit!

[vietlol]

except Renot colours are yellow and black blue was just Mild Seven, was damn good livery though.


I am kinda bracing myself for BBC commentary, but without James Allen the sackriding wasnt that bad in 09....I still miss Allen

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

except Renot colours are yellow and black blue was just Mild Seven, was damn good livery though.


I am kinda bracing myself for BBC commentary, but without James Allen the sackriding wasnt that bad in 09....I still miss Allen

Yellow Teapot

[_R_]

Button's career is done...
he'll never win a wdc or possibly a race again...

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

Button's career is done...
he'll never win a wdc or possibly a race again...

Kovalainen won a race at McLaren, so I wouldn't rule out Button winning a race in his stint there. But just like Kovalainen's reputation as a 2nd grade driver was solidified at McLaren, so will Button's.

[Redliner]

What a stupid move by Button...

Is it not enough that you get a championship car? You've spent your entire career in a slow car, you get 1 fast year and now you've took a shit on Brawn for an extra million quid? In the end, what are people going to remember? That you've won multiple championships or that you've now made an extra million or 2 for a year? What a sellout.

I hope you're happy getting smashed down by Lewis.

[yonson]

My sincere apologies for those of you who will be following the BBC coverage of F1 next year. You will never in you lives ever hear such sack riding commentry of Jenson and Lewis in any other lifetime.

But on a side not, I would love nothing more than to see McLewis put on a British racing green livery on their cars, and have renault go with a blue livery. That would be the shit!

Have you watched a NASCRAP race here lately? They sackride the fuck outta Jimmie Johnson, and I hate them for it... If he wins the chip this year, I'm finished watching NASCRAP which is saying something being as I've been watching it longer than most of you guys have been alive

[shallow777]

McLaren is Lewis' team, Button obviously was blinded by a great sales pitch from McLaren who were desperate to stick it to Mercedes in some way. Now they accomplished two things, they took the #1 and more importantly they messed up the continuity at Brawn. Brawn will have two new to the car and team drivers and the engineers will have to relearn how to interpret the driver feedback and vice versa. Hopefully the new drivers' style will match up well with the car they turn out.

The other thing they did is make sure that Kimi sits out next year, this way there is one less driver out there who could potentially spoil their party by snatching points out of Lewis's hands.

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

McLaren is Lewis' team, Button obviously was blinded by a great sales pitch from McLaren who were desperate to stick it to Mercedes in some way. Now they accomplished two things, they took the #1 and more importantly they messed up the continuity at Brawn. Brawn will have two new to the car and team drivers and the engineers will have to relearn how to interpret the driver feedback and vice versa. Hopefully the new drivers' style will match up well with the car they turn out.

The other thing they did is make sure that Kimi sits out next year, this way there is one less driver out there who could potentially spoil their party by snatching points out of Lewis's hands.

Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren have done all they can to secure their championship campaign next year and Brawn gets caught out by the offseason shuffle.