Jenson Button Reflects on the Trickiest Post-Title Interview After 2021 Abu Dhabi GP
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Jenson Button shares behind-the-scenes details about the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix title interview. The former F1 champion reflects on the challenges of interviewing Max Verstappen after his dramatic title win.
Jenson Button Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insights on 2021 Abu Dhabi GP Title Interview
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, recently opened up about the challenges he faced while conducting the post-race interview following the dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The British racing legend, who is now a regular member of the rotating panel of interviewers for F1’s post-race podium ceremonies, reflected on the “trickiest” moment in his career during that unforgettable title-deciding race.
The Dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Title Decider
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix became one of the most talked-about races in Formula 1 history, with Max Verstappen clinching his first World Championship in a controversial final lap. Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap after a contentious safety car period, sparking heated debate about race regulations and the decision-making by race officials. This dramatic conclusion made the post-race interviews particularly emotional and intense, especially for those tasked with speaking to the drivers.
Button, who was on microphone duties after the race, admitted that he had already prepared his interview lines with the assumption that Hamilton, who was leading the race at the time, would be crowned champion. However, as the race turned on its head, Button’s preparations had to change at the last minute, making the interview process far more complex than expected.
Jenson Button's "Trickiest" Post-Race Interview
On the Sky F1 podcast, Button explained how the shift in the outcome caught him off guard as he made his way towards the podium. “I was walking towards the podium where I was going to deliver the lines of: ‘You are World Champion,’ but I was doing it to another driver, because I had it all planned in my head that it was going to be Lewis,” Button said. “Then, as I’m walking to the podium, [TV producers] told me in my ear: ‘Actually, no, Max has won the World Championship.’”
Button admitted that the abrupt change in circumstances made the interview more challenging. “It’s, ‘oh, okay, this changes things a little bit,’” he recalled. “Normally you have three drivers on the podium that are just happy to be there, but when it’s down to a World Championship and it’s between two guys, it’s pretty emotional – more so for them – but also for us asking the question.”
A Unique Perspective on Post-Race Interviews
With his extensive experience as a driver, Button brings a unique perspective to his role as an interviewer. Having raced in Formula 1 for over a decade with teams like McLaren, Honda, and Brawn GP, Button is familiar with the pressures and emotions that drivers face, especially in high-stakes situations like a World Championship showdown. His insight into the world of Formula 1 allows him to ask questions that resonate with both the drivers and the audience.
Button, who finished his most recent racing season in the World Endurance Championship with Hertz Team Jota, expressed his enjoyment of speaking with current drivers. “For me, it’s a really interesting dynamic,” Button said. “You know, interviewing racing drivers as I was in F1 for so long and still race, but post-race, when you’ve got the top three, there’s always a great atmosphere, and I love doing those interviews and interacting.”
The Emotional Impact of Title Deciders
Interviewing drivers after a race, especially a title-deciding race like the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, is a unique experience. Button acknowledged the emotional weight of such interviews, particularly when the battle for the championship is down to the final moments. The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was a perfect example of this, with Verstappen's dramatic pass on Hamilton delivering one of the most intense and controversial finishes in recent memory.
Despite the pressure of the moment, Button’s calm demeanor and understanding of the drivers’ emotions allowed him to navigate the tricky interview with grace. His role in conducting these post-race interviews has cemented his place as one of the sport’s most insightful voices, offering a unique look into the minds of the drivers at some of the most pivotal moments in Formula 1 history.
Looking Back on a Historic Title Fight
The 2021 Formula 1 season will be remembered for its intense and dramatic title battle between Verstappen and Hamilton. The two drivers went toe-to-toe throughout the entire season, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix serving as the final showdown. Verstappen’s victory marked the culmination of a season filled with controversy, triumphs, and heartbreak. As the 2021 F1 World Champion, Verstappen entered the history books, but for Button, it was a moment that changed the course of F1 history.
As the sport moves forward, Button's insights into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the post-race interviews serve as a reminder of the human side of Formula 1. The emotional toll on drivers, the pressure of being on the podium, and the complexity of interviewing the winners all contribute to the drama that makes Formula 1 one of the most exciting and unpredictable sports in the world.
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