Threat to Red Bull dominance? Jenson Button predicts big shake up of the F1 starting grid ‘in the next few years’

Jenson Button feels the current F1 starting grid order, with Red Bull currently on top, will change soon. He predicts one particular team to get closer to the top.

Threat to Red Bull dominance? Jenson Button predicts big shake up of the F1 starting grid ‘in the next few years’

Jenson Button feels the grid order will change in the coming years

Right now, Red Bull are clearly the dominant team in Formula 1. This was the case last season as well, particularly in the second half. Their closest ‘rivals’, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mercedes are all closer to each other than they are to RB. It doesn’t look as if this situation will change anytime soon. In fact, many already feel that Red Bull will establish a dynasty as Mercedes did between 2014 to 2021. Jenson Button, though, feels there is potential for the starting grid order to change.

The current regulations were made for close racing. This, combined with the budget cap, as well as the aerodynamic restrictions, it was hoped, would bring the grid closer together. That has somewhat been true this season: There is no clear backmarker. However, on the top, RB are very dominant on the opposition. And there is a big gap between the top four, and the teams behind. Right now, Williams are last in the standings, but even they have had their moments.

YouTube video

Button, who drove for Williams, and is now an ambassador for the British team, backs them to climb through the standings. As per Motorsport-Total.com, he said: “I think that in the next few years you will see a difference in the order of the starting grid. I think teams like Williams will get closer to the top. I won’t give a timeline, but we’ll see a lot of progress over the next two years.” It’s hard to say where this difference could come in, but it’s safe to assume that Red Bull won’t be as dominant.

FS Video

Read More: ‘He’s still hungry,’ Jenson Button backs Lewis Hamilton to stay on at Mercedes F1 for 2024

Jenson Button highlights the progress being made at Williams

Williams' Alex Albon (L) and Jenson Button (R)
Williams’ Alex Albon (L) and Jenson Button (R)

Williams’ finances were woeful before their acquisition by Dorilton Capital. That, and the budget cap being implemented probably saved their team, according to their former CEO, Jost Capito. Now, Jenson Button feels: “There has been a lot of progress in the team. The financial means are there.” In addition, they are also starting to fix their resources issue: “Now things are being fixed within the team where it is necessary – especially with the aerodynamics of the car and in the wind tunnel.”

Of course, there’s still a long way to go. Once, they were the dominant force in F1, but now, they’ve been at the bottom of the pecking order for quite a few seasons. There are already encouraging signs, but they can’t sit on their laurels. Button concluded by saying: “I think there have been some good improvements, but there’s still a lot to do over the next few years.”

Recently, they’ve brought in James Vowles from Mercedes as their team principal. The Briton, having served as Mercedes’ chief strategist for a very long time, is well aware of how things go at big teams, and how to do them. It’ll be interesting to see how he can help Williams in their journey back to the top.

In case you missed it: