Is Ferrari in Button’s future?

[Ferrari_Fanatic]

The reason Jenson Button’s 2012 McLaren contract has not yet been announced is “simple”, according to a veteran correspondent.

At Monza recently, the paddock openly wondered why October is nearing without the British team having announced already that it is taking up the option on the highly-regarded driver’s existing deal.

Asked by the BBC if the delay over 2012 is because Button, 31, is pushing for fewer corporate appearance days, team boss Martin Whitmarsh answered: “It’s not all about that.”

Brazilian journalist Livio Oricchio, writing in the Jornal da Tarde daily on Monday, said Button simply wants McLaren to confirm him for 2012 so that he is available on the market for the season after.

“The answer is simple: Button is interested in Ferrari. And Ferrari is interested in him,” wrote Oricchio.

Indeed, during the course of 2012, Ferrari will consider whether to extend Felipe Massa’s contract or seek a new teammate for clear number one Fernando Alonso.

“Button has the right profile of a Ferrari driver,” Oricchio explained. “Fast, capable of living with Fernando Alonso and regularly among the fastest ones. He also has Alonso’s backing.”

That would explain McLaren’s eagerness to tie up Button beyond 2012, even though the 31-year-old insists he would be happy to retire having never raced a Ferrari.

“When I was growing up I was excited about the three big teams; Williams, McLaren and Ferrari,” said Button.

“It doesn’t mean you need to drive for Ferrari to fulfil your childhood dreams because as you grow up things change. I’m happy and if I can win a championship here I’d be even happier.”

Said Whitmarsh: “We’re just talking about it. I think the right thing is that we discuss it quietly.

“I’m sure we’re going to find a way to work together for many years to come, that’s certainly my wish and I hope it’s Jenson’s.”

Source:GMM

[Greig]

no

Indeed, during the course of 2012, Ferrari will consider whether to extend Felipe Massa’s contract or seek a new teammate for clear number one Fernando Alonso.

obviously since Massa's contract runs out

Stefano said his idea was a younger up coming driver, at 32 Jenson would not fit that idea....

[Suzie]

I think Jenson's very settled and happy at McLaren, I'd be extremely shocked if he ended up at Ferrari.

[Rishu]

Stefano said his idea was a younger up coming driver, at 32 Jenson would not fit that idea....

True, but the way he adjusted to "Hamilton's team" shows he can live alongside a clear No.1. I can't see him in Ferrari & Perez looks the best bet "if" Massa's contract is not extended, but he can work well with Fernando as a team.

[Katu]

don't think it'll happen

[Ste]

He's too old frankly. As Stefano has already stated, they want someone young to replace Massa when/if he leave after 2012 not someone already over 30. It would be slightly pointless since he'd only be there a couple of years before he wants to retire most likely.

Better to get someone young in the seat or someone already talented.

Best idea for me is to get Bianchi in Massa's seat after 2012. Then, after 2016 IF Alonso wants to retire, we get Vettel.

[Greig]

True, but the way he adjusted to "Hamilton's team" shows he can live alongside a clear No.1. I can't see him in Ferrari & Perez looks the best bet "if" Massa's contract is not extended, but he can work well with Fernando as a team.

Maybe your perception that Hamilton is no1 at McLaren is wrong?

[Rishu]

Maybe your perception that Hamilton is no1 at McLaren is wrong?

Atleast he was when Button joined them

[schumi1]

Jenson will sign a new deal with mclaren

[Stormsearcher]

Atleast he was when Button joined them

Yeah. It did seem that way till this year, that it was lewis' team. But slowly button seems to have edged his way in and is demanding serious respect.
After having done so much to earn his place, i very much doubt he will jump ship to start all over again.. and against Alonso! Dont think button is leaving Mclaren soon, unless uncle ron is asking him to leave.

[Ste]

Maybe your perception that Hamilton is no1 at McLaren is wrong?

I think he definitely was until they realised Jenson could deliver regularly over Hamilton.

[Stormsearcher]

I think he definitely was until they realised Jenson could deliver regularly over Hamilton.

OR.. lewis has just become inconsistent in the last couple of years, for watever reason, and is prbly now feeling the pressure, which is forcing him to make more mistakes. Maybe something changed and lewis learnt he is no longer the num 1 driver and is throwing tantrums which is automatically giving button the num 1 status.

[aroutis]

Perhaps McLaren wants Button to be the #2 that Hamilton wants him to be and Button does not want that role, and that's why they won't get the contract renewed as means of pressure ?

Everyone knows that it's Lewis that's the favorite son of McLaren. But everyone also knows that Button has been vocal bout his opinion when it comes to #1 status.

And given the fact that Hamilton is not exactly having a good year given the equipment , I bet there is pressure for Button to be the good boy and help the lad.

[Greig]

When has Jenson been vocal about his role in the team?

Jenson and Alonso at Ferrari, must be your worst nightmare Aroutis lol

[Hornet]

I think things may have changed in McLaren ever since Ron Dennis left. Lewis may not be as "number 1" as he used to be during the days of Ron Dennis. IMO.

But anyway, yeah, Stefano has already mentioned that Ferrari may be looking to put a young driver in Ferrari's 2nd seat in the future, and that's something that came directly from Stefano so I would tend to believe that more than any Button to Ferrari rumor at this point.

[racingbradley]

Not sure that Macca are operating team orders????? Haven't see a situation where it could be used.
I think quiet honestly in uncle Ron's absence Macca boys are free to race.
Lewis performs better when uncle Ron is in the garage but Jenson is usually ahead anyhow.
As for Jenson at Ferrari no I can't see it.
I think that since 1999 Ferrari likes one of the drivers to be of Latin American origin.
So if Felipe doesn't get a contract renewal
That puts Perez in pole position as Bruno will be too old by the time he has had a bit of experience.

[Rob]

I think Jenson's very settled and happy at McLaren, I'd be extremely shocked if he ended up at Ferrari.

Yeah he has made his mark with Mclaren. H hasnt got the team around him there. They are reall y impressed with JB, he makes alot of calls from th ecar himself, unlike Lewis. Right now, just cannt see him leaving Mclaren. Id love to see Brit driving for us again.

Think the future is Bianchi and maybe Perez is our second car.

[Kingdom Hearts]

This will make Hamilton's life easier, so no, please stay at McLaren, it's more fun this way. Probably Hamilton want Kovalainen back lol.

[FerrariFanBoii]

Good idea.

[Alonsomaniac]

Jenson would fit in well at Ferrari, but it is very unlikely to happen.
The big problem is that Fernando and Jenson are about the same age, which would not be good for the continuety at Ferrari.
When Fernando retires, there has to be a younger and already experienced driver already a few years in the team to take over the leading role.

[REDARMYSOJA]

When has Jenson been vocal about his role in the team?

Never as far as I know. I don't think Button cares as long as he has a competitive car.

As for joining Ferrari, they could certainly do worse, but I don't see it happening.

[gvera]

Jenson would fit in well at Ferrari, but it is very unlikely to happen.
The big problem is that Fernando and Jenson are about the same age, which would not be good for the continuety at Ferrari.
When Fernando retires, there has to be a younger and already experienced driver already a few years in the team to take over the leading role.

It might be that internal pressure to win titles is so high at this moment in Ferrari that they value more instant reward than long term stability.

[NJB13]

I can't see it happening. From Ferrari perspective why would you entertain swapping a team player for someone who puts self first. From Jenson's perspective why move when things are falling into place for you where you are.

[luicchi]

Button will drive for Mclaren in 2012 and 2013.
Our next move, if Massa next year dont win nothing , will be a young driver .But attencion with a good car maybe we can see come back the Massa of the old days.And with that we will get " After Massa is more Massa!!!" which is my hope really.

[aroutis]

When has Jenson been vocal about his role in the team?

Jenson and Alonso at Ferrari, must be your worst nightmare Aroutis lol

He's been vocal that he 'd not like to be #2. Or hasn't he? And why should he be a nightmare to me? It's not gonna happen. Unless he wants to be #2 to Alonso. LOL

[Greig]

He's been vocal that he 'd not like to be #2. Or hasn't he? And why should he be a nightmare to me? It's not gonna happen. Unless he wants to be #2 to Alonso. LOL

You said he has been so why are you asking me the question?

Nightmare because in 2006 you disliked Button as much as you disliked Alonso

[aroutis]

You said he has been so why are you asking me the question?

Nightmare because in 2006 you disliked Button as much as you disliked Alonso

Do I still dislike Alonso ? I wouldn't think so. He drives for Ferrari now.
So, I think it's a bit childish on your behalf to think like that :)

But again the chances for Button to come as #2 to Ferrari, at this age are rather slim. Massa will probably be replaced by Kamui.

[Greig]

lighten up a little

[Bikus]

Button is the best thing at McLaren right now . I wish him to stay and if someone has to go ...Lewis is first on my list .

BTW , " free to race " was Ron´s idea . That´s why Kimi won the title with Ferrari .

[coolrunnings_99]

I d be glad if Lewis comes aboard, Ferrari needs a young, unproven, up and coming driver..