Button rules out teaming up with Alonso at Ferrari
8 August, 2012
Aug.8 (GMM) Jenson Button has admitted he would only consider becoming Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari teammate “in a parallel universe” butthat as things stand, he would not join Ferrari.
The 2009 world champion’s latest interview, with Autosprint magazine, is a cool rejoinder to speculation that Button might consider leaving McLaren as Ferrari seeks a replacement for struggling Felipe Massa.
Asked if he has had contact with Ferrari in 2012, the 32-year-old Briton said: “Well, uh…there has always been contact.
“I always say ‘hello, how are you?’ when I see Stefano Domenicali in the paddock. But he knows and I know that I have a contract for next year.
“I really don’t know why it [the Ferrari speculation] is focused so strongly in my direction,” said Button.
Trying another tack, Autosprint asked Button if he is flattered that Ferrari made an effort to sign him for 2013.
“Who says they did?” he reportedly smiled.
“I think if you look at this team – McLaren – you see a team that has achieved so much. And if you look at the red team, you see the same thing.
“The Italians are passionate about sports, especially motor sport – but this (McLaren) is the right place for me now. Although, as I’ve always said, ‘never say never’,” Button insisted.
He explained that Ferrari is not the right place for him now because of the unique structure Alonso has built up around him at Maranello.
Asked if he thinks the Spaniard would willingly see ‘his’ team altered to suit the needs of a new teammate, Button answered: “If you asked him, then no, he wouldn’t.
“He is a very intelligent driver and, maybe, in a parallel universe, I’d happily work with him. It would be difficult but it’s always interesting to have someone next to you who’s so tough, so smart.
“I admire him as I admired Alain Prost – he created a great atmosphere around him, with very good people.
“I’m sorry for Felipe, but I think Fernando has the whole team around him.”
Subbed by AJN.
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fools…. Yeah right name!
@Hawk You’re one of the few people who thinks like that. You obviously didn’t pay much attention to Formula 1 in 2008. Oh well…
Tell me who won the deciding Grand Prix in 2008? Was it Massa or Massa? Massa did everything right that depended on him and he was the World Champion as they went on the last lap in Brazil. It was a ridiculously lucky gift from Timo Glock that saved Hamilton’s sorry a**. Talk about a major fluke huh!
Massa should’ve been the World Champion of 2008, he thoroughly deserved it. Only Mclaren fanboys and brits think otherwise.
@Forza
It is Lewis who had bad luck in both 2007 and 2008. His win in 2008 was karma for 2007. His penalties helped Massa a lot. If anything Massa was going to fluke it. And they all had their fair share of DNFs.
@Andy-London Good comment, but I can’t agree with you on that Massa part. How can you say that he didn’t deliver in 2008? He did deliver and he did an absolutely fantastic work in 2008. It was just bad luck that denied him the title that year. Massa is actually the true Formula 1 World Champion of 2008, everybody knows that. I’m sure that even Hamilton knows that. Massa was absolutely incredible in 2008.
* Number 2 at Ferrari or number 1 at Stewart or Jaguar, sorry.
@fools …. I agree. Aside from Vettel and Hamilton, the other drivers you mention would slot into the number 2 driver position easier. Although they are all good in their own right, Webber is used to it, Heikki at McLaren too, Perez would expect it, and Kimi wouldn’t care lol !
Ferrari just need a driver that brings home the constructors title. Fernando can’t do it on his own. Massa had the car (and the chance) in 2008 but even with some ridiculous penalties handed to Lewis to keep the points difference to a minimum, he still did not deliver.
I feel a little sorry for Massa but to drive within the Ferrari F1 team is a dream in itself. Rubens may moan about the number 2 seat he had there, but how many wins did he get because of it? Irvine loved the lifestyle in Italy. Would you rather be a number 2 at Jaguar or Stewart, or be a number 2 at Ferrari?
Button is such a lovely guy but it’snot a secret that he needs the car to be perfect otherwise he is invisible in races. He got off to a dream start with McLaren but maybe now the team are regretting rushing in to the 3 or 4 year deal they signed with him.
“I really don’t know why it is focused so strongly in my direction,” said Button.
don’t be so sure of yourself…the list as follows has been contacted much this year.
-Vettel
-Hamilton
-Perez
-Kimi
-Kovalainen
-Webber
Button is getting full of himself and no wins since Melbourne.
Stay at McLaren and safely save your career there. I like Button but this year he seems different.