Jenson Button at Monaco – what will happen?

[Likes Fast Cars]

So here’s a question to consider as we get closer to the event we’ve all been waiting for …… JB’s (one-off) return to F1.

As JB prepares for this race in Monaco what do you think he’s thinking? How will he motivate himself?
What expectations is he likely to have, and what is he targeting? - Finish the race? Grab a point or 2? Pray for rain and go for a strong result?

Given the current pathetic situation at McHonda, how will it all end?

Is this just one big mistake and should he have just said: “fk it, I’m not trundling around in a stbox which probably won’t even last the race distance?”

Personally I’d love to see him on the podium but sadly that’s a pipe dream in a McLaren right now.

Or should we be reading more into this, will FA FO to the States for a drive in another series if he does well at the Indy 500, and will JB step back into a full-time seat for the remainder of the year?

[cuprabob]

I don't even think he'll finish the race but he has nothing to lose by taking the drive.

[Likes Fast Cars]

I tend to agree he'll be a DNF..... hence my post as I was wondering how a top driver and WDC gets motivated for such a situation, it must be de-motivating for him????

[Catatafish]

No one will notice... or care.

[Some Gump]

He'll be there or there abouts with vandoorne, probably slower quali and faster in the race. Neither will do that well, probably ahead of only Sauber and whoever crashes.

[Trabi601]

Wet / dry race, genius tyre call, and a win

It's not going to happen, but it would be hugely amusing if he managed it. Especially if Stoffel is floundering around near the back.

[cuprabob]

I'm sure a quick look on his banking app will be motivation enough for him.

It'll just be a party weekend for him, with someone else picking up the tab.

There are not many people in the paddock that has as much experience as Jenson at driving crappie cars, so he'll slot back in.

Edited by cuprabob on Friday 21st April 21:43

[Mighty Flex]

It's probably as good a chance as any for points for Mclaren. Optimistically, a good drive in tough conditions sees 8th or 9th. Realistically, a DNF.

[Mark-C]

Catatafish said:

No one will notice... or care.

And yet you somehow noticed this thread and cared enough to comment

[rallycross]

It will be nice to see him back in an F1 car, but he is a retired driver in a lame duck car with no experience of the new tyres/regs.
Back of the grid at best unless someone disables the top 6 teams.

As a McLaren fan its very sad to see where they have ended up at the mid to back of the F1 grid with no sponsors and a brilliant but frustrated lead driver.

[DanielSan]

He could well be pissed before the race this time just to make it exciting for himself.

[talksthetorque]

Car with decent chassis and a poor engine isn't such a bad thing in Monaco.
If he does finish, his position will be more dictated by qualifying position and strategy than motivation or his driving on the day.

[Likes Fast Cars]

DanielSan said:

He could well be pissed before the race this time just to make it exciting for himself.

There's an idea

[anonymous-user]

Hope there is a shower of rain at Monaco. That could give Button a good result.

I have to say Alonso going to Indy and not being at the Monaco GP is a total nightmare for Vandoorne.

I would be astonished if Button finished behind Vandoorne which will no doubt put Vandoorne under a lot of pressure to improve.

Yes Monaco is a circuit which experience will count but Vandoorne needs a good result especially when a driver who has not driven the new car will be stepping in.

[glazbagun]

He'll qualify ahead of Vandoorne, then won't start the race because the engine won't start. then he'll show up in someones commentary box and give us some light entertainment.

[Piginapoke]

I don't think he's that fussed. Says it all that he will not test beforehand. Will be anonymous as he is only there as he has to be.

[Welshbeef]

For him I'm sure the thrill/rush will be a massive buzz.
For a U.K. f1 fan seeing his one off return will be a great thing to see.

Will he drive it like he stole it? /drive the wheels off it? God yes and why not.

Good luck to him + yes the £ to step in will be great (or was it tat special McLaren road car super limited numbers he couldn't buy but wanted... maybe someone gives him that for fmcovering the race?

[Glasgowrob]

Button to win in spectacular fashion and spend the rest of the reason giving Alonso smug looks

[e21Mark]

If - and it's a big if - Honda can find a bit of reliability and JB capitalises on what is certainly a half decent chassis, then he might just put in a solid performance. A top 10 or 12 qualifier, with a defensive race and top 10 finish? Maybe? Either that or the Honda donkey will just throw the towel in and he'll start from the back of the grid, closely followed by retirement. I like JB though, so fingers crossed for him having a fun weekend.

As an aside, I thought the donation he made last week showed what a thoroughly decent chap he is.

[Rich_W]

DO we actually think he's getting paid for this?

I would have imagined his "ambassadorial" role for Woking F1 means he might get his costs refunded. I mean its not like he needs accommodation for the weekend.