Formula One: Building a broadcast team for ESPN

By Alex Herbst | Nov 20, 2017

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 12: Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving the (5) Scuderia Ferrari SF70H and Valtteri Bottas driving the (77) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 WO8 lead the field toward turn one at the start during the Formula One Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 12, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /

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Jenson Button

Though David Hobbs has certainly endeared himself to fans of racing across the United States in the last four decades, it may be time to move on from him and allow the veteran to gracefully slide into retirement. But who could replace such a respected driving voice from F1? How about another well-respected veteran of the sport?

Jenson Button last competed in the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, racing in place of Fernando Alonso as he raced in the Indianapolis 500. Since then, Button has remained fairly quiet on the racing side, though every once in a while there are rumblings of his return coming in sports cars. But without any solid prospects at the moment, could television be Button’s next destination?

Now stepping aside from his McLaren reserve role in favor of Lando Norris in 2018, Button will be available to help cover the full F1 championship next year. Additionally, Button has shown an affinity for the media through interviews and conversations over the years. His British voice will carry well on television, much like his predecessor Hobbs. And of course, there is the present knowledge of the inner workings of the paddock and F1 cars, based on his recent competition. Who wouldn’t want to hear Jenson Button calling races in 2018?

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