In a revelation that is sure to ignite passionate discussions among Formula 1 fans, Jenson Button, the legendary British driver and 15-time grand prix winner, has boldly declared that the car he considers the best he ever drove in F1 is not the iconic Brawn BGP 001, the very vehicle that propelled him to his Drivers’ Championship title in 2009. Instead, Button has crowned the 2011 McLaren MP4-26 as his top choice, a statement that challenges long-held beliefs about the Brawn’s supremacy.
Button, who etched his name in F1 history with a remarkable championship win that emerged from the ashes of Honda’s exit from the sport, shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com. While the Brawn car is celebrated for its inspirational story and groundbreaking success, Button insists that the 2011 McLaren was simply a superior machine. “The best car for me was the 2011 McLaren [MP4-26]. I would say it was the best car I ever drove in F1,” Button stated emphatically, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into his illustrious career.
The 2011 season saw Button claim four victories, including a dramatic win at the Canadian Grand Prix, which is etched in F1 lore as the longest race in the sport’s history. Despite his impressive performance, Button finished second in the championship, overshadowed by Sebastian Vettel’s dominance that year. Yet, it is the driving experience of the McLaren that remains etched in his memory as unparalleled.
Button also took a moment to reflect on the 2004 BAR-Honda 006, which he fondly remembered as a “nice car to drive” despite its inability to match the pace of Ferrari. “We had a flexi rear wing and it was such a nice car to drive [with the] V10. It wasn’t as quick as the Ferrari, but it was just really nice to drive. I got 10 podiums. Didn’t win a race,” he recalled, showcasing his ability to appreciate the nuances of different vehicles.
As the conversation shifted back to the Brawn BGP 001, Button clarified the misconceptions surrounding its prowess. “Everybody assumes, incorrectly, that the Brawn GP car was the best he drove,” he remarked, illuminating the fact that the Brawn was a product of a shift in regulations from 2008 to 2009, which saw a decrease in downforce. While the Brawn was indeed a formidable competitor, Button noted that it had its limitations. “… it was better than the other cars, but it wasn’t that quick; there were still weaknesses of the car. But the memories from that car were amazing,” he added, indicating that sentiment and performance often intertwine in a driver’s evaluation of their vehicles.
Button’s journey began with Williams, and he also had notable stints with Benetton/Renault and BAR/Honda before his iconic years with Brawn and McLaren. Reflecting on his entire career, he expressed an appreciation for his first-ever F1 car, the FW22, describing it as “so nice to drive, like a big go-kart.” His nostalgic experience driving the FW22 at Silverstone last year serves as a testament to the deep emotional connections drivers forge with their machines.
As Jenson Button continues to share his insights into the world of Formula 1, fans remain eager to grasp every detail from his storied past. His reflections not only highlight the intricacies of racing machinery but also reveal the profound bond between a driver and their car, ensuring that discussions about the best F1 cars will remain as fiery as ever.
