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BAR FANS: Your thoughts on Jenson Button
By Phil Huff (09/08/2004) August 10 2004
We asked you what you thought about Jenson's move to Williams, and how it reflects on himself, the team and Frank. Here's just some of what you had to say.
If you want to add your comments, just email us at BARFANS@BAR-Talk.com now.


I'm a BIG FAN of BAR, Dave Richards and Jenson Button. I well remember the Rob Walker and Stirling Moss days and all was looking good for a repeat of those times. Maybe we are being naive. Sign up Davidson and Coulthard and I for one would be plugging for you all the way, with a lot of others, and that's what its all about.

Rod Rowlands.


Bad taste, Jenson. But probably every driver on the grid not driving a Ferrari would have done the same.

I think Jenson will miss Dave Richards who is probably the best team builder in F1, and move to the most fickle team manager in F1.

Nevertheless, there are other drivers going spare who will easily fill Jenson's seat, two of whom drove for McLaren as team mates for some years and both know how to win races. There's even another ex-world champion who drove for BAR for some years. Blimey! I'd do it myself if you are really stuck.

Mark Tennent.


I've been a Jenson Button fan since he came into F1 and began my diary of his F1 career back then, which I continue to update right now and will continue to do so. I just cannot believe, however, what has recently been announced – I'm still in deep shock. This is what I think:

I don't like the way its happened and Dave Richards and BAR don't deserve to be treated like this, however, when you look at this season's results you can't deny that Jenson has been a prize asset to the team and if BAR intended to keep him for two more years then they should have made sure the deal was water tight. Even I, as both a Button and BAR fan, can completely understand why he has chosen to return to the team that gave him his big break in F1 – a team with which he's always had a good relationship, a team he always said he'd return to some day.

I don't think he's made the right decision, but do urge BAR to hold its head up high, maintain focus and belief, but most of all to respect Jenson's choice to leave (even though it's a very bitter pill to swallow).

I also really honestly want to remain a BAR fan and believe Ant should now be given a drive for 2005, no-one is more deserving of Button's vacated seat than he.

Linda Blythe.


I have to be honest I think the way Frank Williams has behaved in this sorry scenario is pretty poor. Maybe its cos he has had his fingers burned before in similar scenarios (DC leaving) before, but that is still no excuse for someone who is recognised as one of the more gentlemanly statesmen of the sport. I am sure he has made his move for purely business reasons - he wants the best drivers in his car next season to give them the best chance to win and challenge for titles (drivers or constructor).

I fear this move will sadly not present Jenson with much opportunity to challenge for the title. Sure he will probably win a race or two, but Williams will have frozen all development on the new car this year - whilst JPM and RS are around certainly - and so they will be playing catch up all winter, and will prob not start next season v well. In the meanwhile Jenson could have been hard at work continuing to develop a car that he has been heavily involved in building up over the last 2 years, and realising the undoubted potential of both the BAR Honda car and himself. They have both been in ample evidence this year and I thought next season was going to bear fruition.

I guess time will be the judge of whether it was a master stroke of genius on Frank Williams part, or a sorry embarrassing fiasco for all concerned.

David Cloudy.


I am sadly disappointed that Jenson feels that he needs to make this move at this time and in this manner.

Part of the Jenson magic was the prospect of a young British driver in a gutsy young team having a 'go' at and beating the big boys.

Nobody is naive enough to think that BAR and Button are not 110% professional in all that they do and that they do have enormous financial backing but his move is a disappointment and I fell he has let many people down - not the least Dave Richards.

I hope Dave can get another bright British hope who will win for him and serve him better.

Robert.


I believe Honda are as powerful a force in F1 as any one. Why is he leaving.

If he does I would like to see BAR climb to the top and Williams stay were they are………floundering!

Martin H Mullins.


Welcome to the world of F1.

For sure this is a reality check for Dave Richards. Since he was so decent for sacking JV at the end of last season, he shouldn't complain that Button is leaving for Williams BMW.

The world of F1 isn't about loyalty and friendship but about results, money and opportunities. Jense got his... he took it and that is reality. Can you blame him?

No because Williams simply have more capacity and possibilities to become world champion. Don't forget they were right behind Ferrari for the last 2 years. That's a fact.

DR suddenly gets his decency back in a tough world which he helped create. Stop complaining DR... welcome to F1. You forgot one thing: what goes around comes around!

Shigeo Lee.


I'm a great fan of Jenson and BAR, for the next season it will be nearly impossible to find an equal driver, because it's too late. I think, also the way of this season will be influenced and that's a pity. I was very hopeful for a victory of Honda and Button in this year.

Michael Hendrik, Germany.


I'm a big BAR fan and love what Jenson does this year. If Jenson decides to go to Williams it is his choice, although I think BAR might give him a better chance to attack Michael Schumacher. Williams needs a big improvement!

My advice for BAR is to hire Jos Verstappen (yes, I'm Dutch) as he can do miracles in that car, just look at what he did for the Honda project a few years ago.

Paul.


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