Jenson Button secured the 2009 World Championship with a superb drive in Brazil, which combined controlled aggressiveness and a touch of flair. Button, starting back in 14th, was handed a boost when there was a bit of mess at the start of the race, which saw three drivers ahead of him have to retire. Button’s goal was to not finish more than 6 points behind team-mate Rubens Barrichello, and with some pit-stop strategy and some nice overtaking manoeuvres, Button held on comfortably to finish 5th, three places ahead of Brazilian Barrichello, who suffered a late puncture. Red Bull’s Mark Weber won the Grand Prix itself, with Lewis Hamilton coming in third.
This marks a big turnaround in the fortunes of Button, who was hailed as a potential champion when he first entered into the world of Formula One, but his status fell away after some early promise, not being able to secure a drive in a car which could propel his ambitions. Then he was upstaged a bit by that other Brit Lewis Hamilton. Now however, Button is a valued member of the Brawn team, he has had the equipment and has shown his worth as he is crowned World Champion, and his team Constructors Champions.
There is still one race left in the season, in Abu Dhabi, but it will be more of a celebration showcase, as everything has been settled. This will be some great closure for Button, who started the season so strongly by winning six out of seven Grands Prix. There then came to be what appeared to be a little lack of confidence, as podium finishes deserted him as his lead was consistently being chipped away at. He did pick his form back up over the past few races, and this fifth placed finish from fourteenth on the grid wraps up his season perfectly, as he displayed all the characteristics of a champion, making some stunning, brave and decisive overtaking decisions.
Britain has another Forumla One World Champion and his name is Jenson Button. If you want to back the Brits again to keep the trend going, then prices are already out for the winner of next year’s championship.
Lewis Hamilton – 5/2 at SkyBet
Jenson Button – 12/1 at Stan James
