Features

F1 winners and losers

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 04/11/2009
Formula One betting

Jenson Button appears to be the biggest winner of the recently completed 2009 Formula One season.

Button emerged from the shadow of younger compatriot Lewis Hamilton to win his maiden drivers' title.

Six victories from the first seven races of the season in a dominant Brawn GP car was the bedrock for his success, but the way the season ended must be a real concern for the 29-year-old Briton.

Button was a worthy world champion as his performance in the penultimate race of the season in Brazil - where he wrapped up the title - and third place in Abu Dhabi at the weekend confirmed.

However, he was forced to play second fiddle to Sebastian Vettel during the closing weeks of the season as the German stormed to three successive race victories.

As the season wore on it became apparent that Brawn and Button were gradually losing their technical advantage brought on by their decision to disregard the second half of the previous campaign when - under the guise of Honda - their car was simply not good enough.

Honda poured millions into research and development during the build up to the 2009 season only to pull out during the preceding winter as the credit crunch claimed its first Formula One victim.

Brawn GP emerged from the ashes and went on to dominate at the likes of Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain, but huge question marks hang over their ability to find the necessary funds to kick on again next season.

By contrast Red Bull appear to have the best foundation among all the constructors for which to build their 2010 car, while in 23-year-old Vettel appear to have a driver capable of challenging German compatriot Michael Schumacher's dominance in the sport.

In terms of losers then it is hard to look past Hamilton following ultimately toothless defence of his 2008 title.

Hamilton's season started under a cloud with disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix and his first podium finish did not arrive until he won the 11th race of the season at the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

However, a car which was woefully off the pace finally came good during the latter part of a season described as "character building" by Hamilton and only Vettel garnered more points than the Briton during the closing portion of races.

Hamilton is still regarded as the favourite in the online betting markets for the 2010 drivers' title.

Will Lewis Hamilton bounce back in 2010? - Latest Formula One Betting

Perhaps the biggest loser has been Kimi Raikkonen, who is currently without a drive for 2010 after losing his Ferrari seat to Fernando Alonso.

The Finn followed up a miserable title defence in 2008 with a sixth place finish in the 2009 standings.

He won one race in Belgium but the day/night race in Abu Dhabi at the weekend may have seen the sun set on his eight-year career in Formula One.

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