JB’s advice: Buy a football

Jenson Button has offered words of wisdom to aspiring F1 drivers: "buy a football or a tennis racket, it's a lot cheaper."

The British racer, winner of the 2009 F1 World title with Brawn GP, began his Formula 1 career back in 2000 with the Williams team.

16 years later, he's racing for McLaren-Honda and is one of the elder statesmen in the sport and more than qualified to offer his opinion.

Asked by official F1 website what he feels are the 'essential qualities of an F1 driver', Button said: "There are many!

"I think that every driver on the grid has a natural ability – so I would say being willing to learn is what is really essential, every time you jump into the car.

"I am 35 and have 16 years of experience and I still have a lot to learn. There are always new things to learn – so the most important thing is 'keep learning'!"

As for the 'personal quality most essential' to succeed in the sport, Button answered: "Don't trust too many people. (laughs)

"F1 is so completely different to all the other highly visible sports like football or tennis. In F1 the rules are changing permanently – and you have to cope with that by being ready for changes and willing to learn.'

So what is his 'essential tip' for anyone wanting to enter the sport?

"Buy a football or a tennis racket. It's a lot cheaper and you stick with the same rules! (laughs)"