Jenson Button would hire Di Resta and Alonso
If he were a team boss and had to hire two drivers - except, of course, his teammate and himself - the 2009 world champion would opt for an Iberian-Scottish line-up.
In an interview published on the official Formula One website, Jenson Button reveals that he would like to see the Imola circuit back in Formula One, that he would love to be James Hunt’s teammate and race for Hesketh, and that he would hire Paul di Resta and Fernando Alonso if he were a team owner.
You must choose a city for a new urban Formula One circuit: which one and why?
« It would be Tokyo. I love Tokyo. They have good roads, so it would make a great circuit. Imagine a track through the streets of Roppongi district: Wow! »
If you could be the teammate of a former world champion, who would it be and why?
« James Hunt. I think we would have a great time. »
If you could reintroduce an innovation from the past, what would it be and why?
« I’ve never liked these cars packed with electronics. If I wanted a loud and fast engine, I would probably opt for the return of V10s. 850 horsepower, that’s something! But of course, that’s the perspective of a passionate competitor. I know we need to think about the environment – to show that we care – so I think F1 is going in the right direction with smaller engines. But of course, the petrolhead in me still believes in big engines. »
What innovation would you like to see in the future?
« Less aerodynamics and more mechanical grip, as well as the return of refueling. »
If you could only drive on one track for the rest of your life, which track from the past or present would you choose?
« Probably Suzuka. It’s close to Tokyo and it’s a fantastic track. Without looking so far east, I would probably choose Spa. »
Which defunct team would you have preferred to race for and why?
« Hesketh Racing. They really knew how to have a good time. They were very serious when they were racing, mocking the other teams, but they were also serious when it came to having fun. »
You must design a new Formula One circuit, combining all your favorite corners. Which three corners would top your list and why?
« If I could take three sections, it would definitely be Becketts and Eau Rouge, even though it’s not really a corner anymore since they’ve made it too easy with their modifications. My circuit would probably have a lot of elements from Silverstone: we all love high-speed corners. I would also add some elements from Suzuka. »
You can go back in time and compete in the decade of your choice. Which one would it be and why?
« Having only raced from the 2000s onwards, I only drove cars that were safe. If the same safety standards had existed in the 1970s and 1980s, I would have chosen those decades for their spirit. »
Which current Formula One regulation would you most like to change?
« I would revisit the ban on refueling. It was fantastic to race with cars that had little fuel: it was just great. We all love driving lightweight cars, and refueling, with its sophisticated strategies, added to the spectacle. »
If you could see two legends from the past face off, who would you choose?
« It would be Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. I saw them when I was still very young and I would never tire of seeing them again and again. »
If you were a team boss, which current driver would you choose, apart from your teammate and yourself?
« I don’t know, but off the top of my head, I’d say Fernando [Alonso] and Paul di Resta. Why not? »
You can add a circuit to the 19 currently on the calendar: which one?
« Imola, definitely. I love this track. I got my first pole position there in 2004, so I have lots of memories of this circuit. »
You are organizing a dinner and can invite four motorsport personalities, past or present. Who would you invite?
« No one. I would prefer to have my friends and family over for dinner. I spend too much time in Formula One, so I would like to keep it very private. »
You have the opportunity to drive a Formula One car from the past of your choice. Which one do you choose?
« If I got in it, I would love to drive the MP4-4. This car won 16 races, so it must be one hell of a machine. »
A rooftop pool, a bowling alley, a rotating sushi bar: these are a few options not available in Formula One motorhomes. If you could add one thing to your team’s motorhome, what would it be?
« First of all, I don’t like revolving sushi bars: I like sushi counters. So it would be a bowling alley. »
Imagine that you have won the world championship again. Where and how do you celebrate it?
« I would immediately go to Hawaii, I spend quite a bit of time there. I would go to a Japanese restaurant to drink sake – my favorite drink – or probably a Martini. »
And you, what would your answers be?
