Button is only 31, one year older than Alonso, F1 drivers can still drive until they about 40ish so it is conceivable that Button could have about 9 season still in F1.
Yeah, I thought that's what you were going for. If one were to assume that this is part of the qualifications required, who (realistically) could Ferrari aim for at the end of 2011 ready for 2012 or, assuming they keep Massa for next year, at the end of 2012 ready for 2013. To join for the 2012 season Webber Button (if McLaren release him) Kovi Glock Rosberg Sutil Heidfeld Kubica (if he can race again) For 2013 As previous + Kobayashi Petrov
I agree. As much as I would want to say that Button would beat Alonso, I don't think it would happen. However, I would argue that he is a better driver than Massa.
Interesting though Button has said he doesnt see his F1 Carear going far into his Late 30's. I also cant see Alonso going to another top team after he finishes at Ferrari. Also I think this may be because we have so much young talent in the sport. Youth has proven to be a winner with Alonso > Hamilton > Vettel setting the bar. The Teams will look to follow this formula.
No I don't mean that. It's totally relevant to link to it on this thread, I just don't think Benson is on the ball. From all the other reports on Button and Ferrari it seems clear to me that they're thinking about 2013. Benson is effectively reporting that McLaren are about to take up Button's option for 2012, as is their prerogative. That is irrelevant to Ferrari courting him for 2013 onwards. Benson doesn't actually mention anything about extending Button's contract to 2013 and beyond. That was in the YallaF1.com link I posted earlier. When Benson mentions that "an extension is effectively inevitable," he means into 2012. As I understand it, McLaren is potentially going to offer Button a pay increase and a multi-year contract from 2012 onwards (thus negating any option they have on him) but Benson doesn't seem to realise this. I suppose you could have posted it on the BBC Fail thread, though. EDIT: In contrast to Benson's confusion, the equivalent Autospout article is quite clear about the possibilities:
A fairly average article by JA standards but I was surprised to se him run a poll at the end. I have no idea how I'd answer. It's 50/50.
Yeah it was pretty standard stuff although I think there were some snippets that were interesting. I voted for Ferrari, not because I think that is where he should go but because I think it is a close decision and knew most people would vote Mclaren so I was just trying to even it up.
According to the Sunday Times, Jenson's net worth is about £48 million. Surely once you get to that stage, money isn't as important as having competitive machinery and a good bunch of guys around you? Which isn't to say that Ferrari aren't competitive or not a good bunch of guys. Only that he has that already at McLaren, so why leave? The only way I can see this happening is if he wins the WDC at McLaren and decides to move on again. Even then, I find it incredibly unlikely.
To retire from F1 as an ex-WDC having driven for both McLaren and Ferrari, and in equal machinery against Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso? Regardless of his career statistics, what an absolute buzz. He's totally living the dream. McLaren might look the better bet for a second WDC now, but who knows what Ferrari's massive reorganisation will bring in 2012 or 2013?
Yep, very true I guess. I don't know, maybe I'm just scarred from the years of Ferrari/Schumacher dominance and have an unnatural dislike for the red team!
To answer your questions, El Bando. Yes, I do think that Button would perform better than Massa, and yes, I do think that Button could beat Alonso. Button makes less mistakes than Alonso, and Massa I just don't rate at all. Notice I only said "could", and of course this is all just my opinion. I'm not going to try and say that everyone thinks the same as me.
