British American Racing star Jenson Button has admitted that it was a mistake to try and leave the Brackley based squad at the end of the 2004 championship, his and the team’s best to date, for a return to the WilliamsF1 team.
After already committing to BAR, Jenson made headlines worldwide during the summer break in August by announcing that he had signed a new deal with the BMW WIlliamsF1 team to partner Mark Webber in 2005.
From there BAR, who were shocked and dismayed at the news, went to the contracts recognition board who finally declared that the only valid contract the British driver possessed was with BAR, not recognising Button’s pleas of a technical loophole in the said contract.
According to Jenson, the mistake was not taking to team boss Dave Richards at the time and accepting what others told him in blind faith.
"Yes, I did make some mistakes," he told the Guardian. "I don't know the legal side of things so I just had to listen to what people had to say. I thought it was the correct thing to do, but obviously it wasn't. In my reasoning for moving I don't think I made a mistake, but in not talking to David myself I was misguided."
Honda have since bought a 45% equity in the team and are prepared to spend the money to make the car and driver a championship winner, a move Button is very excited about.
"Honda having a stake in the team is the best thing for BAR," he said. "It's huge for everyone working here. It makes us very excited about the coming years."
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