Mansell slams self-destruct button

Nigel Mansell has written off Jenson Button’s prospects of ever becoming a Formula One world champion.

Mansell believes Button has not made the most of his chances throughout a career he feels has failed to live up to its early promise.

Button has won just one grand prix from 127 starts – in Hungary last year – and has struggled in a Honda team that has produced a woefully inadequate car this season.

The 27-year-old has scored just one point from 11 races this year courtesy of a fine drive in finishing eighth at the French Grand Prix.

With that exception, the season has been one of frustration for Button who is already looking ahead towards what he hopes will be a more positive 2008.

But as far as 1992 world champion Mansell is concerned, his fellow Briton will never follow in his footsteps.

“Jenson should have won more races. He has under-performed and that is down to him,” Mansell told the BBC Sport website at his Formula BMW Masterclass.

“He had the opportunity and didn’t take it. There won’t be any more.”

Mansell feels Button no longer has the same appetite for success as he did when he first arrived in Formula One as a 20-year-old in 2000.

“Jenson is a great talent, but he was far better years ago than he is now because he was hungry then,” added Mansell.

“He’s got a great reputation for partying and that’s taken the edge off it. He’s a typical example of too much, too soon.

“He’ll have a great lifestyle, but he’s had his opportunities and it hasn’t happened for him.”