Button calls for bigger F1 cars
Jenson Button feels that shorter F1 drivers have an unfair advantage and that the rules should be changed so that people over 6ft have a chance at racing at the highest level of motorsport
In an interview with British broadsheet The Daily Telegraph Button empathises with reigning F3000 champion Justin Wilson, who missed out on the chance to make his F1 debut at the weekend as he could not safely fit in the cockpit of the Minardi.
"I feel sorry for Justin," said Button. "When I was talking to other teams recently, before signing for BAR for next season, a couple of them said, 'You're very tall. It could be a problem.' I'm 5ft11." Wilson stands 6ft3.
"I think cars should be built to accommodate drivers of 6ft3 or 6ft4 because at the moment shorter drivers enjoy an unfair advantage. Shorter drivers are normally lighter, and because of the minimum weight - whereby cars carry weight that can be moved about to change the centre of gravity - the smaller drivers have more weight to move about to find the optimum balance."
Button also used the interview to absolve F1 new boy Anthony Davidson from any blame in his retirement from the Hungarian GP. Button spun into the gravel while lapping Davidson, but insisted that his off was down to tyre wear rather than his fellow Brit getting in his way.
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