Jean Alesi has applauded Jenson Button’s efforts during the 2011 campaign, saying the Briton should get the ‘driver of the year’ award.
Despite coming second in the standings to Sebastian Vettel, who Alesi described as having done an ‘unbelievable job’, Button managed 12 podium finishes, which included three wins, matching his teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
“Apart from Vettel, who did an unbelievable job, the award should go to Jenson Button,” said the Frenchman.
“I was not surprised by his performance, because he’s been a world champion, but the way he managed to be there all the time, even when he was struggling with set-up, and still get good points was impressive.
“He also pulled some great overtaking moves, so he was aggressive when he needed to be and smooth when he needed to be, adapting to the Pirelli tyres quicker than most.”
The 47-year-old said his performance was even more impressive given who his teammate is. Hamilton has never been beaten by a teammate since joining F1 in 2007, until this season in which he finished fifth with a 43 point deficit to Button.
“What a mature performance, and all the more impressive when your team-mate is Lewis Hamilton and Jenson is still, essentially, the new boy. I believe 2011 was even more impressive than his championship-winning year, given that he didn’t have the best car and his team-mate was Hamilton,” concluded Alesi.
