Will Button be the last F1 champion?
The 2009 British Grand Prix is set to be the last-ever held at Silverstone before the race moves to a new venue at Donington Park, for 2010 and beyond. The Silverstone paddock is going to be a very interesting place this weekend. I've even heard wacky rumours of a possible strike by the eight FOTA teams, writes Steve Slater.
Based on Jenson Button's domination of the first half of the Formula One World Championship season, one would have to be crazy to tip anyone other than the Briton, or his Brawn team for the 2009 Driver's and Constructor's titles.
Certainly a win this weekend would be much more than 10 championship points added to the tally. The 2009 British Grand Prix is set to be the last-ever held at Silverstone before the race moves (assuming the track is finished) to a new venue at Donington Park, for 2010 and beyond.
I believe that Button's wins in six of the first seven races allows him to approach the British GP in a relaxed frame of mind. He's been constantly reminded by the helpful media that a win would match fellow Briton Nigel Mansell's 1992 feat of winning five races in a row.
I wonder though, whether Button may be the last driver to be crowned FIA World Drivers Champion, a title which has been awarded continuously since Nino Farina was first awarded the crown in 1950?
The continuing feud between the FOTA and the FIA could easily come to a head this weekend. The FIA are determined to force through cost-cutting regulations which the bigger teams say are unattainable in the short-term, while FIA boss Max Mosley is determined that either the teams submit to his wishes or they won't compete next year.
The Silverstone paddock is going to be a very interesting place this weekend. I've even heard wacky rumours of a possible strike by the eight FOTA teams.
I think that is rubbish --- the teams, as much as anyone, know their future depends on being able to put on the best possible show.