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Button denies comments knocking young F1 talent

Jenson Button trashed claims attributed to the Brit by a Brazilian media outlet which supposedly targeted the on-track attitude of some young F1 drivers.

Earlier this week, Brazil's UOL Esporte quoted Button as labeling F1 as 'Formula Desperate' for the sport's young talent.

"I feel that there are many drivers who should have learned more than they did learn before arriving in F1," Button allegedly said.

"They are very erratic. It's like they are driving in 'Formula Desperate' - they look like they're always so desperate.

"That sort of behaviour should have stopped by the time a driver arrives in F1. By the time your career reaches this level, you should already be smart enough to know what to do with the car and how to race for position."

But when the story was published, Button angrily denied through his Twitter account saying anything of the sort, believing his comments were taken out of context or perhaps lost in translation altogether.

" 'Formula Desperate', this is supposedly a quote from me about young drivers in F1 but it's total rubbish, I never said that," Button twitted to his followers.

"I personally feel the young talent in F1 have done an incredible job at such a young age. Some journalists do not deserve to be journalists if they take so many comments out of context or even change the words around to suit their article.."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.