F1 News: McLaren ponder on strategy ahead of final two races (Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix)
And then there were 4! From 5 actual title contenders for the 2010 Formula One title, it has come down to 4 now. Defending world champion Jenson Button of McLaren admitted after the Korean Grand Prix that he may be out of the title
race and now the team has confirmed that he would be helping his teammate Lewis Hamilton in his bid for a 2nd world championship. However, Button, after admitting that his chances of winning the title were just academic, did say that he would fight
till the end.
Martin Whitmarsh, the team principal at McLaren, has confirmed that Jenson Button would now be assisting Hamilton in his title charge. Although those comments make all the sense in the world, such is the relation between Lewis
Hamilton and Jenson Button that the current world champion is not expected to take the stance of his team with much grace.
Jenson Button ended the Korean Grand Prix in 12th place, and trailing current title leader Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) by 42 points does mean that it would take something of a miracle for him to win the title. However,
when asked if he would now be assisting Hamilton, Button did seem a bit reluctant and offended and said that he would still prefer fighting till the end.
It is up to the team management to handle the situation with utter diplomacy. Whitmarsh said that the team has always facilitated and accommodated both drivers equally. However, Button has time and again said that he has been treated
as the number two in the team. Now that the team boss is saying that Button should be the one helping his teammate, it sure is something that would raise a debate within the team.
Button has made it clear that despite his position, he would not be acting as a sidekick to Hamilton; now it is up to Whitmarsh to make sure that harmony in the team is maintained and Hamilton’s title bid is given every possible
chance.
Lewis Hamilton, who led the driver standings in the middle part of the season, has moved into 3rd place after the Korean Grand Prix. The Brit is now 21 points adrift of leader Fernando Alonso and believes that it is
a decision for the team to make, but he would love to have Jenson Button supporting him in the final 2 races. Hamilton said that throughout the season, he and Button have tried their best to get maximum points, and it has pretty much been every man for himself.
But looking at the points table, it does mean that he would need all the help he can to go all out for the championship.
"We both push as hard as we can to score as many points as we can for the team, clearly we're both far behind, him further than me. I'm 21 points behind, so I've got to get a lot of points.
"I don't know what will happen. You will have to speak to Martin on what he thinks he will have to do ,All I know is I have to get as high up as possible, and it would be fantastic to have Jenson with me,” said Hamilton.
Martin Whitmarsh said that realistically it does mean that Hamilton is their best bet to win the title, but the team would make sure that they take Jenson Button into confidence before making any big decision.
The problems between Hamilton and Button have been no secret this season; behind closed doors there have been a number of disputes. But the most famous incident was back in Turkey when Hamilton was leading the race with Button
on his tail in 2nd place. The pit crew advised both of them to slow down and conserve the fuel; however as Hamilton slowed down, Button took the lead from him. Lewis did manage to get back the first place and won the race, but there were some heated
words exchanged after the race.
So considering all that, it would be a tough call for Martin Whitmarsh to make before the next race in Brazil.
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