The current drivers’ world championship leader is a fan of the Kings of Leon, dislikes being in the passenger seat of a car and regards Lance Armstrong as his sporting icon.
These and other interesting snippets were uncovered after Jenson Button took time out from an appearance at Bridgestone’s Driving Nation, a roadshow for motorists, launched in Birmingham last Thursday.
The F1 manufacturer aims to use the event to find out more about motorists’ concerns and what they believe the future holds. And its links to the racing series meant it had the chance to secure a guest and to ask him a few personal questions:
What has been your most memorable race and why?
JB: Wow, that is quite a difficult one this season, as there have been so many good races for the team. Although my first win in Hungary in 2006 will always be special, I would have to say the Monaco Grand Prix this year is the highlight to date. We worked really hard after struggling in practice and set ourselves up for a good race by getting pole position with a lap that was really on the edge! To win in Monaco, especially with Rubens coming home in second place for the team, was a truly special feeling and an achievement of which I am very proud.
How would you describe your driving style off the track, are you chilled or are you a back-seat driver?
JB: I’m quite chilled really but I do like to drive myself rather than have anyone else drive me around!
Who or what makes you laugh?
JB: My family, friends and girlfriend. Their support is incredibly important to me and my old man comes to every single race with me. He doesn’t just make me laugh but everyone in the team!
What’s on your iPod at the moment?
JB: I love listening to all sorts of music and you really need an iPod with all the travelling that we do. At the moment, I’m listening to Kings of Leon.
Who are your heroes F1 or otherwise?
JB: My favourite sporting icon is Lance Armstrong for all that he achieved and the fact that he never gave up. I love this quote of his: “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”
Favourite other sport?
JB: The three disciplines of triathlon – swimming, cycling and running – play a big part in my fitness regime and help me to relax away from the race track. I started taking part in competitive triathlons last year and took part in the London Triathlon on Sunday 1 August. I’m a Patron of the Make-A-Wish Foundation so am raising money on their behalf and you can still sponsor me at JustGiving.com