I think Grosjean is obviously the back up if Alonso doesnt go to Mclaren. The Alonso anouncement wont be made till after the season because Ferrari are like that (Also Abu Dhabi is a big Ferrari marketing exercise remember)
Yeah, I think you're right but I remember reading somewhere that he was due to make an announcement so I was intrigued.
Planet f1/ Jenson Button. "Naturally I still want to earn money because I feel I have achieved and I feel I should get paid for what I do in an F1 car or a racing car, and for what I bring to a team," he is quoted as saying by Press Association Sport. "But I'm not a driver that takes the p***, and I will race somewhere even I'm if not getting the big bucks like a few drivers who are out there. "You should get what you deserve. I feel I bring a lot to a team, not just in terms of results, but in terms of marketing within a team and working with sponsors, and how I can help develop a car. "You want to feel like you are wanted within a team and part of the family. "It's like if your parents were to turn round and say 'You know what, we're not sure if we want you at Christmas this year. But your brother can come, he's great'. You know what I mean. "You want to feel like you are part of the family, and they want you to be part of the family, and that's more important than cash."
Maybe referring to the Kimis? Alonsos? And maybe how he was not treated like family. (*RonDennis effect)
Damon it Jenson, the recent uncertainty in the BBC and autosport articles had let me cling onto hope. You don't need to go and torpedo it like that. "Your brother" almost certainly refers to Magnussen, he's Ron's chosen one.
Bit of a sticky situation, not one Jenson deserves for his dedication and recent turn in pace for that matter. Not good for the sport.
Out with the old and in with the new. So much talk about no places for new talented drivers, yet we all bemoan when an experienced/older driver has to make way for a younger one. Can't have it both ways. Whilst Jenson has proven to be a solid competitor, he has rarely had the raw speed and McLaren can save a few quid and still get a decent youngster in to sign for the future. Jenson's attitude over the last few years has been 'yeah, I enjoy it and happy to be here but would prefer to do better', but you never get the feeling the passion is there that some others have.
Button is still a very good driver and has for most of the season outclassed Magnussen. If they do ditch him it'll be disappointing but understandable. He'll find employment elsewhere though.
Rumours were he wants to have a go at the World Triathlon championships. He'd make a very good WRC driver as well. Relaxed and consistent driving style would be great for endure racing.
I can't agree with that philosophy at all. Out with the old and in with the new should be a natural process. The young should replace the old once they have matured/the the old have declined to the point where they can do a better job. (ie, Ricciardo instead of Webber at the end of 2013 is a good thing. Replacing him at the end of 2010 would have been a mistake) Its pretty clear that this is not the case with Button and Magnussen and wouldn't be next year either. The gap between them has been over 20s in three of the last 4 races. If a team has aspirations of winning championships it should hire drivers who can deliver now. Drivers who might be great in 3 years but are pretty average now belong in the midfield. Moaning about a lack of space for young talent is unrelated. That is caused by the fact that outside of the big teams nobody has any money. Its the likes of Sutil, Chilton and Maldonado who are taking up there places, not Button. Its a big issue, but it doesn't mean we need to kick out anybody older than 30 (watch out Fernando). Also not throwing the toys out the pram every time something goes wrong doesn't mean you don't care. Imo the only reasons this is happening are as follows. 1) Mag is Rons man and Jenson is Whitmarsh's 2) Alonso needs a no2 driver. 3) Money (though you'd think with Honda coming in it shouldn't be an issue)
As much as I like Button, I still feel that Magnussen is the future. If Mclaren get rid of him now, they've lost him for good. It's just unfortunate for Button he's going up against the best driver on the field who has similar qualities - Consistency, great race pace, good under pressure, good all rounder.. So really with Alonso, they're just getting a better Button surely? Magnussen drives differently and in a few years he'll be ready to take over from Alonso when he retires. I kinda hope Ferrari get 3 drivers and pick Button because it's hard to think Abu Dhabi will be his last race..
