McLaren-Honda’s Jenson Button claims he “still has a lot to learn” in Formula One, though his career already spans 16 seasons, 15 race wins, 50 podiums, 8 pole positions and one world title.
The 35-year-old started his F1 journey in 2000 at Williams before switching to Benetton the following season. Button stayed at Enstone for one year after Renault bought out the team and then moved to BAR, later known as Honda, where he drove from 2003 to 2008.
Left without a drive when the Japanese manufacturer pulled the plug at the end of that season, the Briton became part of the Brawn GP fairytale that saw the combination win both titles in 2009. Reigning world champion Button then joined McLaren and has been racing for Woking since.
Asked by the official Formula One website what the recipe for success in F1 was, the Somerset racer replied:
“I think that every driver on the grid has a natural ability, so I would say being willing to learn is what is really essential, every time you jump into the car.
“I am 35 and have 16 years of experience and I still have a lot to learn. There are always new things to learn, so the most important thing is ‘keep learning’!
“F1 is so completely different to all the other highly visible sports like football or tennis. In F1 the rules are changing permanently, and you have to cope with that by being ready for changes and willing to learn.”
Button helped sweeten McLaren-Honda’s tough first half of the season by securing ninth during last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. This was the Briton’s second points finish in 2015 after his strong drive to eighth at Monaco.
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Click here for a lighter look at some scenes from the Hungarian Grand Prix
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