Jenson Button says all drivers will have police escorts to and from the Interlagos circuit this year, following the attempted hijack of his car in 2010.
The McLaren driver was leaving the circuit after qualifying with his father John, physio Mike Collier and manager Richard Goddard. As their car stopped in traffic, several armed men approached it, however the driver managed to escape by ramming several cars.
When asked if he had any concerns for his safety this year, Button replied: “No, not at all.”
Button says an attack was inevitable on a driver after numerous similar incidents involving engineers and mechanics over the years.
“Something was going to happen. It happened so many times with the mechanics and engineers. In the end it was going to happen to a driver but I don’t think they wanted anything except our bags out of the boot.”
He confirmed extra security, including police escorts, have now been put in place for all the drivers as they return to their hotels outside of the circuit.
“We have more security this year. I think every driver you see will have a police escort this year in Brazil, and they should do.
“But you also have to spare a thought for everyone else in Formula One because they don’t have police escorts.”
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