Jenson Button has made a shock announcement that he may leave Formula 1 if his Honda car does not improve dramatically in the next couple of years.
The announcement came after a dismal performance at his home Grand Prix last weekend, failing to get past the first qualifying stint and finishing 10th overall.
“Two years ago, I was second on the grid here,†Button remarked. “So it was quite disappointing and not just because it was my home race. Our race pace was better than in qualifying but it needs to be a hell of a lot better still.â€
Button had hoped that Honda would provide him with a decent car that could fight up-front however it has been a poor season so far with few signs of any improvements. Only once this season has he managed to qualify in the top ten, and he has only finished in the points once at Magny-Cours.
“There will come a time when I get bored of finishing eighth,†Button continued. “I am in this sport to win and I won t want to keep on finishing eighth at best, which is what I have achieved this season with Honda. To be honest, I find it too tough to handle. If this continues then maybe in a couple of years I ll just call it a day and go and find something else to do.â€
Button s frustration is understandable in 2004, he finished third in the drivers championship; In 2006, he outscored all other drivers in the field in the last six races of the season; last year, he also took his maiden win.
“You’ve got to stick together when times are tough,†he explained, “We all have highs and lows. At the moment we’re in a low but I still have high hopes. The best way to motivate the team is to drive my best and try and get a point or two, but also give plenty of feedback.
“Talking about giving up is very negative. The positive outlook is to say we can start winning races again next season and my confidence in my ability remains high. It is something I still hope for in the future – I understand I’m in a bloody good job and that racing in F1 is my dream.â€
