Formula One news

Ecclestone: Button has got to make his mark

This weekend we will see Michael Schumacher race his last Formula One race. Some fans love him, some fans hate him, but no one will deny he has been one of the big names in Formula One. F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone isn't sure who will be the next big star, He is unsure if Jenson Button has what it takes.

British fans would love to have their new Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill in Formula 1, but so far Jenson Button has been unable to fulfil their wish. The Briton won his first race this season in difficult weather conditions, but Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone still wonders how big Button's talent really is. "Maybe he is flattering the car," Ecclestone told The Times. "But I think he's been around long enough now — he's got to make his mark. If he does, there is no reason why he can't be a superstar for us. He's got all the qualities in and outside the car."

"Michael has given up so much to achieve what he has achieved," Ecclestone said. "He is dedicated to what he is and puts himself under an awful lot of pressure. He'll win a race and next day start testing. I'm not sure whether Jenson is prepared to do that.

"I would say that Jenson is much like the old-time drivers. The Graham Hill type of driver with all the talent that they need, except nowadays you've got to be dedicated, too."

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