Jenson Button downplays fears that F1 racing could be dull in 2014
Jenson Button does not believe drivers will be forced to make radical changes in order to adapt to Formula 1's sweeping 2014 regulation changes
Both Ferrari and outgoing driver Felipe Massa have voiced concerns that the F1 spectacle could be dulled by fuel efficiency next year, but Button thinks such fears are wide of the mark.
He predicts instead that the dynamic of races will not change substantially from this year, and that teams will master any new techniques by the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in mid-March.
"It's standard stuff; it's not like the car has been turned upside down," Button said of the 2014 changes.
"I don't think we are going to see anything different next year; I don't think you're going to see much fuel saving.
"I think we are still going to see great racing."
Asked whether teams and drivers would need to focus more on race strategy next year, Button said: "I think it is already [strategic] with the tyre saving that goes on.
"You spend so much time with the engineers and tyre engineers to understand where the tyres will work, what temperature range you need to be in, which corners you can push and which you can't.
"There is so much information we run through before and during the race to stop blistering, stop graining, stop overheating, stop degradation.
"The drivers will not drive any differently [in 2014], because this year you already have to look after the tyres.
"It's all there now, its just going to be slightly different next year. That's all stuff we'll learn for the first race."
Button also said he expects the majority of engine acclimatisation to be completed by testing, adding that the addition of an eighth gear would also make little difference.
"It's eight gears [but] first will only be used at the launch, so you'll use seven gears. Nothing will be different," he added.
"Testing will be a lot busier with understanding the power unit and the torque curve with the KERS, but it won't be that different a driving style compared to this year.
"A lot of people are saying it will be completely different, but by the time we get to the first race it will all be forgotten and we'll be well into what we think is right."
Previous article
US GP preview quotes: Lotus
Next article
Lotus insists focus is now on track after Raikkonen financial dispute
The hidden Ferrari struggle that Sainz’s recent charge put to rest
Despite appearing to adjust to life as a Ferrari driver with relative ease, it was far from straightforward under the surface for Carlos Sainz Jr. But, having made breakthroughs in rather different routes at the Russian and Turkish races, he’s now targeting even greater feats for the rest of the Formula 1 season
The final throes of Brazil's fleetingly successful F1 team
Emerson Fittipaldi is better remembered for his Formula 1 world championships and Indianapolis 500 successes than for the spell running his eponymous F1 team. Despite a hugely talented roll call of staff, it was a period of internal strife, limited funding and few results - as remembered by Autosport's technical consultant
Why McLaren's expanding agenda will benefit its F1 resurgence
In the 1960s and 1970s, McLaren juggled works entries in F1, sportscars and the Indy 500 while building cars for F3 and F2. Now it’s returning to its roots, expanding into IndyCars and Extreme E while continuing its F1 renaissance. There’s talk of Formula E and WEC entries too. But is this all too much, too soon? STUART CODLING talks to the man in charge
How Tsunoda plans to achieve his F1 potential
Yuki Tsunoda arrived in grand prix racing amid a whirlwind of hype, which only increased after his first race impressed the biggest wigs in Formula 1. His road since has been rocky and crash-filled, and OLEG KARPOV asks why Red Bull maintains faith in a driver who admits he isn’t really that big a fan of F1?
The danger of reading too much into F1's clickbait radio messages
OPINION: After Lewis Hamilton responded to reports labelling him 'furious' with Mercedes following his heated exchanges over team radio during the Russian Grand Prix, it provided a snapshot on how Formula 1 broadcasting radio snippets can both illuminate and misrepresent the true situation
Why F1’s approach to pole winners with grid penalties undermines drivers
OPINION: Valtteri Bottas is credited with pole position for the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, despite being beaten in qualifying. This is another example of Formula 1 and the FIA scoring an own goal by forgetting what makes motorsport magic, with the Istanbul race winner also a victim of this in the championship’s recent history
Turkish Grand Prix Driver Ratings
On a day that the number two Mercedes enjoyed a rare day in the sun, the Turkish Grand Prix produced several standout drives - not least from a driver who has hit a purple patch of late
The hidden factors that thwarted Hamilton's bid for shock Turkish GP glory
Starting 11th after his engine change grid penalty, Lewis Hamilton faced a tough task to repeat his Turkish Grand Prix heroics of 2020 - despite making strong early progress in the wet. Instead, his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas broke through for a first win of the year to mitigate Max Verstappen re-taking the points lead
