Villeneuve: Button is number 1 in the wet

Jacques Villeneuve said he was happy with former teammate Jenson Button's first place in the championship.
The couple had a turbulent start to their relationship at BAR in 2003, but Villeneuve has since declared his admiration for the Brit's talent several times. The Canadian said he was particularly impressed by Button's incredible performance in the wet this season. In fact, the McLaren driver finished first in the rain in Australia and China, two victories that propelled him to first place in the drivers' championship.

“Jenson has always been fast in the rain but now he is proving to be the best in these conditions,” Villeneuve told Canadian newspaper Rue Frontenac.

“Michael had this reputation in the past, but I think Jenson now occupies this position in the minds of observers,” the 39-year-old added.

“However, we cannot forget Alonso who drove an exceptional race on the wet track in Shanghai,” he continued.

Villeneuve also said Button's "excellent start" with McLaren was proof that his title last year was deserved.

“Changing teams and sticking with the best shows that that wasn't a stroke of luck,” said the 1997 world champion. “I'm really happy for him.”

Regarding Michael Schumacher's return to F1, Villeneuve called it "a disappointment."

“This is his first big disappointment. At the beginning you did well for someone who had been away from the slopes for three years, but then the results turned out to be a disappointment."

However, the Canadian believes Mercedes were right to recall the 1-year-old back to FXNUMX.

“Michael is useful even when he isn't winning, and no one can take away his seven titles or his place among the best in history."

“And when he gets beaten by Nico in the same car, the teammate's reputation goes up a lot,” added Villeneuve.

Andre' Cotta