08/11/2010
NEWS STORY
Having lost all hope of retaining his title, Jenson Button has admitted that he doesn't care who wins this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In reality, Button's hopes of retaining his title ended two weeks ago in Korea following a lacklustre performance. However, there remained a mathematical chance of still turning things around. But another disappointing qualifying performance left the Englishman with a mountain to climb and late on Sunday afternoon it was clear that the title had slipped away.
Asked who he hoped to see claim the crown, the McLaren driver - who the previous day had been the victim of an armed attack - was surprisingly forthright, especially for a Woking employee.
"I don't care," he told reporters. "It doesn't make any difference to me. It's exciting there's those three guys fighting for the championship at the last race. Lewis still has an opportunity but it's going to be very tough for him.
"I like the way they have let their drivers fight, it's the way it should be," he continued, referring to Red Bull's strategy - or lack of it as some might say. "You fight all the way through your career to get into Formula One, to get into a good car and you should be given equal opportunities.
"I don't know who will win, it is very close. It is between Mark and Fernando. Fernando is an exceptional driver but some will be disappointed with what happened at Hockenheim and question whether he deserves it," he added, referring to the team orders debacle that could well overshadow the 2010 season should the Spaniard win the title. "I just hope he wins it by more than seven points."
Climbing off the fence, Button admitted that if pushed to pick a favourite he would nominate Webber. "He's done a great job this year. He has been told by his team what position he is, and against adversity he has kept at it. I think he has done an awesome job."