Ross Brawn has expressed disappointment in Jenson Button’s decision to walk out on the team after winning the world championship.
Button dominated the 2009 season, securing both the drivers and constructors championship with a race to spare. He then made the decision to leave the team and join fellow Brit, Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.
“I was disappointed Jenson left,” Brawn told the Sun at the launch of the Brawn Lifeboat Challenge.
“He felt people were of the opinion he only won the world championship because he had the best car. So he left us to show them he could do it again elsewhere.
“We are still friends. We were on the same flight back from Malaysia and we had a good chat. But on the racetrack it is different. There are no friends on the racetrack.
“Jenson was a fabulous member of our team last year but now he is the history and we have to beat him.”
Brawn suspected the move was down to Button’s need to prove himself, and what better way to do that, but by lining up against the 2008 world champion.
“He also wanted to prove himself at McLaren against the guy who is probably the fastest and most naturally talented in motor racing – Lewis Hamilton.
“He’s set himself a massive challenge and he is doing very well so far.”
Brawn was speaking at the launch of the Brawn Lifeboat Challenge which aims to raise £350,000 to buy a new lifeboat for the River Thames.
More information can be round on the RNLI website by clicking here.
