Button Says 2011 McLaren, Not Title-Winning Brawn, Was His Best F1 Car

Jenson Button has named the 2011 McLaren MP4-26 as the best Formula 1 car he ever drove, overlooking the Brawn GP BGP 001 that delivered his sole 2009 World Championship. The 2009 champion praised the driving experience of the McLaren, a car in which he finished runner-up to Sebastian Vettel, highlighting a fascinating distinction between a car that wins titles and one that provides the purest driving satisfaction.

Why it matters:

This insight from a former world champion provides a unique perspective on what truly defines a great F1 car. It separates raw performance and championship results from the subjective feel and connection a driver has with the machine. For fans, it adds a compelling layer to the sport's history, showing that the cars remembered for titles aren't always the drivers' personal favorites.

The details:

• The 2009 Brawn GP BGP 001: This car delivered Button's only world title in a dramatic season, securing 6 wins, 4 pole positions, and 9 fastest laps.
• The 2011 McLaren MP4-26: Despite being outpaced by the dominant Red Bull, Button claimed this was the superior car to drive. He scored 3 victories with it, including the iconic rain-soaked Canadian Grand Prix, and achieved 12 podium finishes on his way to second in the championship.
• Other Favorites: Button also ranked the BAR Honda highly, calling it a "nice car to drive" with its innovative flexi rear wing. He scored 10 podiums with it but never won a race in an era dominated by Ferrari.

The big picture:

Button's career was a tale of significant highs and lows, from the unexpected Brawn triumph to the frustrating years with the uncompetitive McLaren-Honda partnership. His preference for the 2011 McLaren underscores a career defined not just by his championship win, but by a deep appreciation for the art of driving a well-balanced machine. It's a reminder that a driver's relationship with their car is deeply personal, often transcending the final results on paper.