The Top Dog For Japan Is...
- Published on Oct 9th, 2011 by Benson Jammichello"Hot Rod or Hot Dog" is our regular post-grand prix column where we review all of the driver performances in that race. As part of the process, one driver is declared as Badger's "Top Dog" - and this week it's...
Jenson Button.
Another brilliant race from the Englishman. As so often this season the tyres were all important, but Jenson was able to maintain a consistently quick pace and put his foot down when it mattered. That's all you need to be there or thereabouts.
After being pushed onto the grass at the start by Sebastian Vettel and falling behind Lewis Hamilton he rallied and managed to stay with both of them. Then when Hamilton suffered a right rear puncture Button slipped past and set about chasing down Vettel, a task he performed with aplomb.
It's another race that confirms that Button is now the de facto number 1 driver at McLaren. This sort of performance had been coming for quite a while. Quicker in qualifying, in the race and driving in a very intelligent manner only served to underline the fact that Hamilton really has a fight on his hands next season.
Also, kudos to Button for his question to Vettel in the drivers' holding room before the podium. Asking a man who's just won the world championship what he was playing at in the first corner demonstrates an admirable single mindedness.
And of course, an honourable mention must go to Vettel. Although today wasn't his best drive, he's been outstanding all season and well deserves his second title in two years. After being questioned by many (us included), he's demonstrated this season that, when he's needed to, he can overtake with the best of them.
Well done to both Button and Vettel.
Vettel and Button celebrate on the podium - credit: sutton-images.com
Comments and Discussion
Button is a worthy winner. Driving better than he ever has done.
I think Perez deserves a mention too. Gained like 9 places from his grid position, scored points, and until a lap from the end held the fastest lap. A good performance for a rookie in a sauber.
Ben, no mention for your favourite Spanish Ferrari driver? Given the fact that Button had a better car Fernando probably out performed him today.
I'd say Perez was top dog for Japan.
He looked close to death when Eddie interviewed him on Saturday. He can't have been any better on the Sunday he was so ill. But in spite of his body's humanity he still got the most out of the car and the strategy on Sunday where others may have weakened.
It's a pity for him Korea follows on so quickly as he earned a week in bed for his heroics!
There wasn't anything particularly outstanding about Jenson's drive as it's what we've come to expect from him this season.
It's a pity about Ferrari's inability to design a decent car since the big-wing rule change, as Fernando's arguably doing the best job of everyone out there; in the form of his life and ignored because of his car.
I disagree Dave, Alonso was on form in a so-so car last year, this year he just doesn't seem to be able to make it stick, the talent is still there just look at his monster starts its just a shame he doesn't have the tenacity he did last year you can see the difference in him, he'll be back though of that i am sure as will Mr Bump as I am now calling Lewis!
De facto number 1? He was behind Hamilton until his puncture.
Yeah but that never really looked like it would stay that though really!