Seven F1 Drives That Showed Jenson Button's True Genius

Jenson Button recently concluded a storied racing career, highlighted by his 2009 Formula 1 World Championship with Brawn. While a superb driver with 15 Grand Prix victories between 2006 and 2012, he isn't always recalled among the absolute F1 greats. However, there were numerous occasions when Button demonstrated a level of virtuosity unmatched by anyone on the track.

Why it matters:

Despite his world championship, Button's legacy is often underestimated. This analysis highlights specific races and qualifying sessions where his unique talent, particularly his exceptional feel for grip and mastery in changeable conditions, allowed him to perform at a level few others could achieve, challenging the perception that he was merely a 'good' driver.

The Details:

• Early Promise: Button was considered a karting phenomenon, with some comparing his talent to Ayrton Senna's. This early promise, however, didn't fully translate into his car racing career despite winning the Formula Ford Festival in 1998 due to budget constraints in Formula 3.
• F1 Debut: His unexpected F1 test with Prost Grand Prix, where he outpaced Jean Alesi by 0.6 seconds, brought him to Frank Williams' attention, leading to his debut in 2000.
• Unique Driving Style: Button's sensitivity to grip and smooth driving style made him exceptional in volatile conditions but sometimes led to difficulties with rear instability in high-grip situations.
• US GP 2000: In a wet-to-drying race, after a front-wing repair, Button switched to slicks much earlier than competitors. His immediate pace, born from his incredible feel for the track, tricked three-quarters of the field into pitting for slicks too soon, demonstrating his unmatched ability to assess conditions.
• Imola Qualifying 2004: He secured his first pole position with BAR-Honda, a sensational lap 1 second faster than his teammate Takuma Sato, earning recognition from Michael Schumacher.
• Spanish Grand Prix 2009: Despite being forced into a slower two-stop strategy, Button delivered an incredible middle stint on old tires, maintaining a pace that allowed him to stay ahead of teammate Rubens Barrichello, who was on a theoretically faster three-stop strategy.
• Chinese Grand Prix 2010: In a tricky wet/dry race, Button made crucial calls from the cockpit, staying on slicks when others pitted for intermediates. After a safety car bunched the field, he triumphed in a direct wet-weather duel with Lewis Hamilton.
• Canadian Grand Prix 2011: From last place after multiple incidents and a red flag, Button carved through the field in changeable conditions, ultimately passing Sebastian Vettel on the final lap for one of F1's most improbable victories.
• Brazilian Grand Prix 2012: His final F1 win saw him dominate the opening phase in light rain on slicks, quickly overtaking pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton by being more at ease in the precarious conditions.
• Austria Qualifying 2016: In wet qualifying with an uncompetitive McLaren-Honda, Button briefly held second place on intermediate tires and eventually qualified fifth (later third due to penalties), a significant over-performance that highlighted his wet-weather prowess even in his twilight years.

The Big Picture:

Button's career, while culminating in a world championship, showcased a specific genius often overlooked. His uncanny ability to excel in conditions where grip was uncertain and constantly changing set him apart. These performances suggest that on his best days, especially when the weather turned, he could outperform any contemporary driver.

What's next:

While Button's active F1 career has concluded, these standout performances serve as a reminder of his unique skill set and his status as a worthy world champion. His legacy is one of a driver who, when circumstances aligned, could truly make the field look pedestrian, solidifying his place as a master of variable conditions.