Brawn should have sacked Button

By Phil Huff
March 24 2009

Ross Brawn's decision to retain Jenson Button at the Brawn GP team has been criticised by ex-World Champion John Surtees, who won a single race for the previous team owners, Honda Racing.

Surtees was critical of Button's performance last year in a reluctant RA108 car. Button scored just three points throughout the season, while team mate Rubens Barrichello secured 11 points and a podium finish on his way to becoming the most experienced driver in F1 history.

"Sebastian Vettel is a good example of a real driver," exclaimed Surtees. "Look at Button instead - frankly, I wouldn't have confirmed him with the team. If you don't give 100 per cent even when the car is not so good, you have to be sacked.

"You can't be good just when you have a good car, but even when you don't."

Button and Barrichello team up again in 2009 with the Brawn GP team.