Formula One news

Pressure was mounting, admits Button

New World Champion Jenson Button has admitted that the negative feeling towards him in the media was becoming a distraction before wrapping up the title in Brazil on Sunday. Having now become the tenth British World Champion in Formula One, the Brawn driver describes the pre-crown-clinching emotions.

Button's clinching of the title came in his tenth season

After being written off by many due to his non-winning period since the Turkish Grand Prix in early June, Jenson Button has admitted that the anxiety levels were building. "All of the bad memories and the good memories go through your mind, not just from this year but previous years in the sport, but especially this year," the Englishman said.

"It made it very difficult for me, not just because mentally that hurts but because you're not able to get the best out of the car on a particularly day; but also I read too many papers and magazines and there were some negative comments - it's tough when you're a driver and you know you're at the top of your game."

29-year-old Button again thanked his family, friends and team for what has been a 'tough time' this season, although the Frome man is now thoroughly looking forward to next weekend's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. On Tuesday of this week, meantime, Jenson visits Kent's Bluewater shopping centre in what has turned out to be his first public outing as F1 Champion.

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