Jenson Button's Formula One career is currently in the balance as McLaren continue to delay their announcement of their 2015 driver lineup. The 34 year old Brit is rumoured to be joining Mark Webber in the WEC for next year, but here re five reasons why Eric Boullier and Ron Dennis should re-sign the 2009 World Champion.
His 2014 Performance
Jenson has performed admiably well this season. His McLaren car has underperformed a little this season in comparison to their usually high standards. He's managed a podium in Australia, 4th place finishes in Canada, Britain, Russia and Brazil, also the fact he's on 106 points whereas his team mate Kevin Magnussen has just over half his points. Magnussen has been out-raced by Button this season with the score being 14-4 in Jenson's favour.
His History With Honda
As Button drove for BAR/Honda from 2003-2008, he has a long history with the manufacturer, who are to supply engines for McLaren from next year. Surely this past experience can only work in his favour, as Honda know what he's capable of, and the Japanese giants will want the two strongest drivers available for their return to the sport.
His Strengths In Changing Conditions
Reference point, 2011 Canada, or 2006 Hungary. His win at the Canadian GP in 2011 was arguably the greatest race ever, as Jenson battled back from two collisions, with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, a drive through penalty, and a broken front wing. He went from last place to steal a last lap victory as leader Sebastian Vettel span off the track, all this happening in changing conditions.
His Likeable Personality
Button is known as one of the nice guys of the Formula One paddock. He has a legion of fans and has garnered a reputation for being likeable and a driver many people, fans, drivers and pundits alike are keen to see remain on the grid. Twitter has been overloaded with supportive tweets for the Brit, who himself responded saying he's 'overwhelmed' with all the support he's been receiving.
He Deserves To End His Career On His Own Terms
After 15 years in the sport, Jenson is one of the most experienced drivers to ever have competed in Formula One. He has had a marvellous career and he deserves to retire when he chooses to, not when he is forced to. McLaren aren't giving him the respect he requires as he may end up being pished out to make way for Alonso's imminent arrival. The fact the decision's been taken out of his hands when he's exceeded expectations this sêason is very unfair.
It appears inevitable McLaren will dispense of Button, but with a decision supposedly coming this week, the whole Formula One community is holding it's breath to see if one of the sport's favourite drivers is retained for yet another season. The odds are against Button as it's expected the younger Magnussen will be retained, despite his far inferior performance this season. Button certainly deserves a seat, but it's all down to Boullier, Dennis and the other McLaren bosses as they decide his fate.