Jenson Button and Jessica Michibata take part in the Rockingham Triathlon
After a dramatic and stressful 2010 Formula 1 season, it seems that Jenson Button has not had enough as he has been competing in extreme fitness events since the grand finale in Abu Dhabi. The British driver took part in a triathlon in Australia known as
the Rockingham Triathlon along with his girlfriend Jessica Michibata who was raising money for a United Nations refugee charity in her native Japan. This was the first time Jessica took part in any such event.
However, Jenson struggled immensely this year in Formula 1 after his shift to McLaren. At first, it seemed that the defending champion was going pretty well and he still had the pace in him. Later on during the second half of the season, Jenson clearly did
not have the pace to match the top four drivers had and as a result, fell back statistically. The British driver was actively competing for the drivers’ title until the Brazilian Grand Prix.
After the Brazilian Grand Prix was over, Jenson was out of the title run mathematically as well and as a result, he was obligated to help his teammate which did not turn out so well either. Red Bull scored a 1-2 finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix and secured
the constructors’ title a race before the grand finale in Abu Dhabi.
McLaren did not have the pace to compete against Red Bull or even Ferrari in the 2nd half of the 2010 season as they were unable to score points consistently. Lewis Hamilton was only able to secure a single win during the 2nd half.
Otherwise, McLaren had a very good chance of winning both titles unlike Ferrari, as their only hope was the drivers’ title through Fernando Alonso.
Nevertheless, Jenson decided to indulge himself into extreme physical activities and after an impressive performance at the triathlon, the 2009 Formula 1 champion completed the course in 61 minutes while his girlfriend Jessica Michibata finished the course
in an impressive 86 minutes since this was her first such event.
“Some people use Formula 1's winter season as a time to wind down, but I love to compete. It's fantastic to be able to stay competitive while also working on my fitness by taking part in the Rockingham Triathlon,” Button admitted.
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