Jenson Button Joins McLaren for 2010
Published
It has been speculated endlessly since Monday's Mercedes/Brawn announcement, but today Jenson Button has been confirmed as a McLaren driver for 2010. Button will partner Lewis Hamilton, creating an all-British driver line-up for next season.
The news broke on McLaren's own Twitter account:
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes signs Jenson Button. Sensational double World Champion driver line-up created as Jenson joins Lewis!
That seems like an odd place to make such an announcement, but it only really serves to confirm what pretty much everyone already knows.
Update: An official team press release swiftly followed McLaren's tweet. The team are excited to have team comprising two world champions and point out that:
- This is 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
- This is the first pairing of two British World Champions since Graham Hill partnered Jim Clark at Lotus in 1968
Jenson joining the Woking team creates what must be considered one of the strongest line-ups for next season. On this subject Button says:
"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."
Lewis appears happy with the arrival of a new team-mate, but doesn't forget the outgoing Kovalainen:
"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."
Rating:
Posted in:
Tagged:
199 Responses
Funny, I now actually believe Jenson's off to McLaren now The Fifth Driver on Twitter has confirmed it!
http://twitter...ver/status/5825100078
I guess you could say its a decent source :D
that's it. surely, it deserves a breakout now?
how nice of McLaren to confirm it before I go to bed tonight. :D
Is F1 slowly but surely turning into A1GP - only with a bit more cash behind it?
I think it's telling that Kimi never considered Brawn. Button clearly has little confidence in them repeating this season. However, we know how bad Button is at choosing teams - Mercedes 1st, McLaren 9th next season? ;-)
It depends, are we going to be waiting for the first round of the championship in surfers and then discover all the cars are still impounded?
All-British McLaren
All-German Mercedes
Italian Ferrari
Force India
USF1
French-rebranded(?) Renault
it's looking like it, no?
Well, at least now I won't have to change my twitter background. No one else worth putting on it.
http://www.mcl...eases.php?article=383
im off
job done.
and i'm still stunned.
you're not alone.
easily the most shocking move since... alonso to mclaren.
Forgot to say "BOOOO MCLAREN"
There. Now I feel better.
that's a good point. although we had more warning with this one.
it just doesn't seem right.
Have updated the wiki page: http://wiki.si...Who+goes+where+-+2010
Abu Dhabi doesn't seem that long ago, but if someone had said this would happen then, I would have laughed at them.
From McLaren press release:
And the World Champions are going to have two drivers who have never won a race?
Is this Ron Dennis' revenge on Mercedes?
true. but even with the warnings, we refused to believe and thought that it was just (in the words of JA) "a piece of theatre".
i wonder who between button and brawn/merc will look better this time next year.
They've thought this through, haven't they?
Yes.
I hope it's Heidfeld, at Brawn/Merc. Because I won't allow it to be Jenson or Nico.
So we now have:
4 Full Teams (Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Williams)
12 Confirmed drivers
18 Empty Seats/Unconfirmed
2 New Drivers
5 Drivers have changed teams so far
even if Jenson was (against all odds) McLaren's only shot at the title?
even in magic hypothetical land, that'll never happen. so I don't have to deal with it.
:D Oh Amy, your comments are always brilliant.
It does seem like a big up yours from McLaren to Mercedes doesn't it?
" 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. "
Have I ever told you that I heart Lewis?
Who are you and what have you done with Amy? :P
That said, you really need to ♥ Lewis now.
"Abu Dhabi doesn't seem that long ago, but if someone had said this would happen then, I would have laughed at them."
I said this was an option before the Brazilian GP! So you obviously laughed at me!
It makes a lot of sense knowing Macca and its attention seeking side!
Right, now for my comment, which I reserved until now.
Jenson Button is insane to do this. Why?
(1) He spent years getting loads of money and breaking contracts to suit him. He finally makes an honourable decision to take a pay cut and stick with the team without a guaranteed drive, only to come good and extoll the virtues of loyalty, team spirit and hanging in there. Now, because of a small difference in salary he runs to another team. He almost had me convinced, but I guess a leopard can't change his spots. Shame really, I was just beginning to like him.
(2) Like Kimi, he is Mega rich and the difference in the money is insignificant. Surely our Top F1 drivers are in it for more than the money?
(3) He's joining Team Hamilton. Even if he is a better driver (which in some respects, he is), he is joining a team that clearly favours Hamilton and will build the car to Hamilton's style, which does not suit Jenson Button. How does he think he will beat him?
(4) When he inevitably does fail, the naysayers will be out with the knives and claim it was Brawn that made him champion and he was not worthy. Surely his legacy is at stake here?
I'm really disgusted by this to be honest. I'm not comfortable with the way Button has handled 2009 and now left the team. I feel like he's deceived us all year, and I'm sad for the fact that he's throwing his career away for a couple of million quid.
But then I really hope I am proved wrong. Else, Alonso will walk it next year when the two Macca drivers start fighting like 2007 all over again :(
It suddenly seems so easy!
#GMMFodder
Lewis verbally attacks new team mate Button for not being as nice as former team mate Heikki.
:D Yoooou got the LOVE! Hahaha!
One wonders if at McLaren they should start developing their own 2.4L V8 engine which they could then use in their MP4-12C prototype. They've taken that thing everywhere, from the Nurburgring to the TG test track to the Arctic Circle to Bahrain. Surely that would be a loophole in the regulations if these manufacturers could work on these engines by sticking detuned versions into their road cars. I know I'd put it to Ron if I were working there.
I love those who love Finns.
Does Lewis know something that we don't??
Forgot to add that in.
We can laugh now, but I will be watching F1-Live with interest (it's not often you can say that…)
That is a nice statement. :)
Honestly I will be surprised if it isn't used.
Do they go out drinking together or something? :P
They need to target the new engine regulations I think, rather the current design. It would be money down the pan.
My thoughts exactly. I completely agree with this, Gavin.
So build an engine to the new regs and develop it in the road car?
I think Jense and Macca deserve each other...
You would have thought buying the No 1 tag from another team would have been seen as a rubbish idea by now...
I wonder if Norbs goes to the Macca Christmas Party....
They play golf in Geneva! Note to self: move to Geneva.
That ain't so bad, is it? ;) :D
At uni now. have told Lou the news. :(
This ain't gonna be good...
Well maybe not. But I would have preferred each driver in a separate team...
Heikki confirmed as being human, question marks surround Kimi
has she said anything?
I don't think you'll have to worry about that, I am sure I am not the only person who sees Jenson looking embarrassingly slow next to Lewis. "As slow as Kovi" as Mr C put it (I loved it)
true true.
the fairytale that was Season 2009 is starting to fade... rather badly.
Sorry but talk about rubbing it in with Heikki...
It makes Heikki sound like a complete dolt....
Lewis needs a new PR person...
I know you're angry, but I thought it was a really nice statement.
Wouldn't surprise me if Lou's a quiet bunny for the next few days
Hey, that's unfair. I guess in your eyes, you must dislike Hamilton so much no matter what he does is wrong?
it is, as long as it was sincere and not just PR guff.
:(
To tell him to say nothing at all like Kimi? Hamilton can't even say something nice about someone without being criticised!
I am sure it was sincere. Don't they get along well? They have been a great team for two years...
This is what I don't like. Fine, dislike Hamilton, but don't twist his words when he is being nice. I am sure he is sad to see Heikki go...
At least the speculation's over.
I'm sure it was, you can tell Heikki was hugely liked at McLaren. Martins statement was lovely too.
“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"
Can't say either way.
He stuck with the team when they were struggling and took a massive pay cut to do it. He delivered on the track and left when he got a better offer. He is not exactly abandoning Brawn in their hour of need.
It needs to be in something very close to the race car to get all the vibrations
But how can a driver say stuff all year like "We're a team, like a family, we win together etc" and then just leave as soon as the season is over? It appears wrong to me.
Joe: Everyone says what they think
One of those "read between the lines" kinds of titles from Joe...
True but I didn't think Button was asking for that much so I don't think Brawn have been that fair, afterall, they would have been capitalising on the #1. Where does this leave their ability to attract sponsors?
He had a contract with them. He didn't marry Ross Brawn. Like all families they have had a squabble. Button clearly expected that after him giving up a pile of cash last season that he would be rewarded if the team succeeded and instead he was expected to take another hit.
Most people seem to believe that McLaren will have the best car next season. So he has an offer to stay at his existing team with new owners and their favoured son Rosberg with Vettel supposedly waiting in the wings and lose money or move to the team that is likely to have the best car that has th long term record and wants to give him more money. The only problem is the guy in the other car but we all know racing drivers believe no-one is better than them.
I can see why he made the decision even if I think it is a bad decision for him. However if he manages to beat Lewis next year everything will change and everyone will say he had the bottle to go into the lions den and take him on and beat him. If that happens there can be no dispute that he is the best driver on the grid. IF!
Depends on who you believe - some are saying Brawn gave Jenson the offer he originally wanted, but Jenson wanted more.
Whitmarsh:
Even so, he's mega rich and didn't need the 2 million extra really, did he?
It's a crap week to be a Brawn fan isn't it?
Too true.
Can I just say - that is a GINORMOUS IF.
but he had to pay for his own drycleaning. Oh my heart just bleeds for him!
You of all people with an eye for F1 history should know that Jenson has no chance of beating Lewis in that team though.
Steven's not saying it will happen. He's just saying what the reaction will be IF it does.
:D :D
Tell me about it
A very good point. A lot of people have said Button wasn't a deserving champion and that it was just the car - here is his chance to measure himself Hamilton. Even just getting close will make his champion credentials look stronger.
Ron Dennis would never have used Twitter to announce something like this. Not slick enough. Not long enough either...
The moral of the story this week is "Follow the money."
It has not been brilliant so far. Guess it depends who gets the other seat
Ron on Twitter would be fantastic
Hehehe, one of my friends on FB posted a status jokingly suggesting the real reason to signing Jenson - they'd been effected by the credit crunch so much they couldn't afford to get new stickers printed without the numbers 1 and 2 in them. :D
That is why it is in capitals with an exclamation mark
:D
OK fair enough.
So next question - what is acceptable for Button next year? Does he have to beat Hamilton or just get close to him?
Cannot be stated boldly enough. :D
:D
" I am sure he is sad to see Heikki go..."
So am I....
I wouldn't say no chance but very slim. The new rules next year should favour him over Lewis and close the gap a little. Of course it is not unknown for the championship to be over before it starts and I think if the car is at all good Jenson could be in for a shock when he finds out how fast Lewis really is
Button has to beat Hamilton AND MercGP to prove it was the right thing to do.
Just set fire to the Jense cushion I dragged back from Suzuka as a fun piece of memorabilia...
My instinct tells me they'll have equal #1 status.
:D
Also, regarding that PS pic Lukeh posted of Jenson's helmet with McLaren graphics on it - I think to continue the trend from Brawn, he'll go back to his original design but replace the blue with black or dark grey.
Assuming they have the best car and lead the championship he has to do as well as Alonso did in 2007. Be in touching distance with a couple of races to go
Here's an important question:
Does Jenson have to shave his beard before the start of next season?
Probably before the official photos
Button might only have to beat Mercedes' pair by a reasonable margin to prove it was the right thing to do.
Knowing McLaren's "clean" image, he'll have to. And get a haircut as well to something tidier.
Sooo...
If he beats Lewis Lewis will throw his toys out.... but that'll happen halfway through the season so we'll have 2007 again... with lots of politicking in the garage....
If he doesn't he should have stayed with Brawn ...
And if Merc do better he should have stayed with Brawn....
"Button might only have to beat Mercedes' pair by a reasonable margin to prove it was the right thing to do."
On the basis of a dream team of Nico and Nick if he doesn't beat them by a mile it'll look weird...
He didn't beat Rubens by a mile and I'd take Nico and Nick ahead of Rubens in a race any day (developing a car would be a different matter)
I have been called to a few similar meetings. It has never been good news yet. Donington Ventures did not get the GP so the company is dead and everyone employed by it is out of work.
Lewis likes an oversteery, unstable car and Jenson, I believe, likes a smooth, stable car ? Hmmmm.
If Nick gets the drive at Mercedes, it won't be the first time he's driven for the factory team. He raced with them at Le Mans in the infamous Mercedes CLR. Infamous for all the wrong reasons, mind.
*in 1999.
f1scoop shares something worth sharing (thanks to Sutton Images):
Jenson's 1998 McLaren test
BBC News saying that Button will be paid just over $10M a season - is that equal to GBP6M?
In round numbers yes
Thanks.
surprised he didn't claim it was "exclusive proof" yesterday.
It might not be a true figure but if it is you have to question Mercedes/Brawn for not matching that figure.
According to Whitmarsh they did. Joe quotes him saying that McLaren were paying Jenson no more than he was offered elsewhere
the story behind this will make for interesting reading once it comes out...
Yup, there goes Autosport too:
http://www.aut...s/report.php/id/80197
BBC will follow tomorrow ;)
Anglia News just reported on the Jenson move. They said "If it is confirmed..."
If? IF?! IT ALREADY HAS!
There are rumours that "he who should not be mentioned" could be heading Brawn way as a driver - the day that happens is the day I stop watching F1 - surely it cannot happen!
there be no truth in them. fingers crossed
No way
That would be the absolute pinnacle of a crap Brawn fan week
although I think there's 0% chance of it happening
I would agree with that.
How about, "he who should not be mentioned" alongside Nelson Piquet?
We started the rumour yesterday
I saw it a few days before yesterday, though?
"How about, "he who should not be mentioned" alongside Nelson Piquet?"
As long as they restrict themselves to NASCAR Toyota Tundras it is OK with me!
Just loving this tweet!
:D
OMG that is classic. Love it!
"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."
How about a BRG livery for next year?
Won't happen. Vodafone commitment will see that off. And McLaren already confirmed they're keeping silver and red.
Well I know of a number of people in the UK who are not at all proud...
So that's not going to happen for a start...
".....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."
AWWW
thats proper sweet
Heikki releases statement:
"Lewis is rrrrrrrrubbish. Pfftftff."
:lol:
has this point from james allen been discussed:
[McLaren] still have to go through the painful process of downsizing, especially on the race team side. To remain operationally excellent while shedding 25 or more roles on site will not be easy and McLaren have been asking the other teams for some extra time to get there. I can’t see Brawn agreeing to that now.
http://www.jam...has-to-beat-hamilton/
Probably not - did his website crash again?
apparently. have only just checked it.
also from james allen:
Final point, it will be interesting to see the two Dads together, John Button and Anthony Hamilton. They have quite a bit of history and not all of it positive.
Yeah I just read that. I really really don't like this!
That is news to me. FIGHT!
Woah...
Is the pink shirt resistant to the stare?!
:D
News! Great News! :D
Has the important issue of helmet designs been discussed?
aww...poor Lou, does she stick with the team or Jenson? What does this mean for jules?
I think the whole thing can be atributed to +blameJockCleer
she's a jenson fan and brawn aren't brawn anymore so i should think Jenson.
#blamesutil
No Lou yet then? Is she ok?
she popped in earlier briefly. not jumping for joy clearly.
Lou said she supports the team and Jenson. Jules works for Jenson and now that he is making money again it may mean she is allowed to leave the country again
She is in London today
Did she say anything?
she seemed upset earlier but it's not a surprise. In time I'ms ure she'll be fine but as she said to me, the dream team is over so... yeah :(
He wasn't exactly on the breadline this year!
It'll still be the guys at Brackley though so...
I dunno. Even for me I'm a little conflicted about the whole Mercedes thing and the Jenson deal makes my thoughts even more complicated. Texting the news to Lou earlier was honestly excrutiating because I know how she'd react and she's a wayyy bigger fan than me...
+monacobreadline
I know that but I believe that was the excuse given
How do you feel about Rubens at Williams now Lukeh?
I'm really looking forward to what he can do at Williams. The photo of him waking through the Williams museum esepecially I loved...
If you asked me the same question a month ago there'd be a much different answer so take that for what you will I suppose.
I am going to sleep. Perhaps mclaren are worried Lewis' slidey driving style is going to struggle next year with greater tyre wear and crucial pitstops... jenson is the antithesis of this...
Will make for interesting tyre wear analysis
G'night Nick
Wow! BBC are already stirring trouble between Hamilton and Button and Jenson hasn't even left Brawn yet. They've dug out footage of Mansell vs Piquet and Senna vs Prost as examples of team mates!
Is it just me that finds this whole scenario a bit mental? I thought I'd wake up and find that it was all a strange dream but apparently not.
Strangely, this was Murray Walker's dream team when he was asked to pick one earlier in the season. Whitmarsh has obviously been taking some good advice.
No. I think Button is crazy. Forget everything else and ask yourself if you would rather take on Rosberg in a team you have just won the championship for or go to McLaren and take on Lewis who saw of Alonso as a rookie. It's a no brainer and it looks like so is he.
i laughed when i saw nick fry saying jenson will have to up his game. There must be no one in the world who thinks this move is wise.
Thats all you had to say :P
I initially wrote that I thought Button would show himself up badly and ended up feeling guilty and deleting it. But yeah. I agree with this completely. I think this is such a stupid decision from him and Brawn. How have they managed to let Jenson and Rubens go after winning the championship? So so stupid.
I posted a comment hours ago saying Brawn were crazy to let Rubens go before Jenson committed. Why take the risk?
Is Lou seeing Jenson somewher tomorrow or did I misunderstand her tweets
She's going to his book launch in London
I saw her and Alex having a discussion but I don't remember her mentioning the book thing. I assumed she was just stalking him.
I know this isn't new news but I sort of just thought it was mad silly season rumour. Plus I haven't really been following it properly. I still find myself shocked that it's been actually confirmed. I'm not sure who I think is the biggest mug: Jenson, Brawn, Whitmarsh, Kimi?
i wonder how much abuse he gets from the crowd. As much as the media are touting the british dream team, i bet most of the people who are fans enough to go to a book launch dont agree with the move.
That's the crazy thing. They can say as much as they like that it is the all British dream team but no-one is buying that. The McLaren fans almost unanimously wanted Kimi and the Jenson fans wanted him to stay put.
Alonso's going to be laughing himself to sleep.....
I am not so sure of that. I am sure he would prefer Lewis and Kimi to be battling in the same team rather than being clear number one in a team of their own.
i will accept kimi at mercedes. Stupid hopes being up and all.
And there is cake at stake. And you and Kathi don't need banners
I assume if it is a one year deal he is replacing Webber next season
I don't have great faith that Mercedes F1 are going to be all that awesome #sorryamy
So THATS why he bought a GP3 team....
If it all hits the fan for Webber, he can always be a GP3 tester!!
It all makes sense now
Either McLaren or Mercedes is guaranteed to produce a really good car and maybe both of them. Eitherway one of the top three drivers is in each team.
I thought McLaren would be right on the money next year but I think some people there evidently need their heads banging together....
I expect them to have the best car but Mercedes may be right with them
Maybe. I don't see how. The whole team seemed to be crumbling from the inside as the season went on. They limped over the line. I think Alonso is the man with something to prove. He's going to be the one to beat in my opinion.
Well, I think this is great news. Mclaren has a serious driver line up. Maybe Kimi would have been faster, I'm not sure, but they have two proven race winners, and racers, that want to do well. I think this is a lineup that can challenge Alonso/Massa and Vettel/Webber. It's about time.
Will they work well together? Time will tell. I don't think they like the same sort of car, so that may cause some challenges.
Can't wait to see the stare down of F1 dad V F1 dad :D
YEY! someone who shares my pov
Loving it. Mclaren are back baby!
woop woop
oh,don't worry,believe me,Jenson is so good,he's brave,I respect him.He said "life is about challenges."But I think he would say"life is all about challenges." Don't it?
Hey, neo. Well, there's a very fine difference between brave and stupid. We shall see...
I leAve f1 alone for a few days and jenson moves to that team I used to care about many years ago. Wasn't expecting that but not like I've been paying attention to the driver changes. And I guess Kimi will become chief spokesperson for magnums and I'm sure you've all made those jokes days ago...
Kimi may yet have a shot at MercGP. Wolf and I are discussing it in the daily.
I think Button is better than Lewis,from ability to sentiment,and he will be favorite in McLaren. For kimi, oh, forget the man,he can't do clear overtaking motion.
Hmmmm....
Some people haven't watched Kimi much at all...
Strange as all my snaps and memories relate to the guy....
Sigh.....
Now Have Your Say
Comment Authors