Jenson Button’s New Year’s Resolution: stronger qualifying in 2011
The Formula One driver, Jenson Button, is making a New Year’s resolution that he intends to keep. He is determined to be more competitive in qualifying in the 2011 Grand Prix season.
The former world champion rounded off his first season with McLaren in Abu Dhabi on Sunday November 14, coming in third place behind his team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull. With the strong finish to an otherwise disappointing season,
Button is ranked fourth in the overall standings.
In reflecting on his setbacks and shortcomings, Button said he needs to work on being more competitive regarding his qualifying times.
"I've had some difficult Saturdays which have hurt me in the races,” he acknowledged. However, he was quick to point out that these setbacks contrasted to his actual racing abilities. “My race performances have been very good, so I'm happy with that, but
the feeling of the car on Saturdays is something that I'm going to work on over the winter.”
While the race in Abu Dhabi marked the last time Button would carry the prized
#1 on his car (at least for the time-being), he praised his successor, Sebastian Vettel, as an excellent addition to the pantheon of F1 champions.
"Sebastian's had some great races this year," said Button. "We've all had up and down races this year, but for the last few races Sebastian has done a great job, and he deserves to be world champion of course."
Button revealed that the young Vettel was soliciting his advice about how to handle the experience of clinching the title.
"He was asking me how it should feel right now, and I told him he shouldn't be thinking about that," said Button. "He should get these photo-shoots and interviews out of the way, then get back and enjoy it with the people that matter most.”
While Button’s performance was disappointing to many of his fans, he was quick to point out that this was only his first year with McLaren and says his standings will improve as his relationship with the team deepens. "It's a great way to end the year and
I'm happy with my first year at McLaren," he said.
Indeed, while experiencing some setbacks and disappointing finishes, Button was proud that with Hamilton coming in second in the race, his team was able to get to the podium, taking second place in the constructors’ championship.
"That was the main aim really for us, and also to be on the podium was nice at the end of the season," said Button.
Although pleased with the results of this year, Button said he will work on his qualifying times for the 2011 season, wryly advising his Red Bull successor not to get too comfortable.
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