Jenson Button Q&A

The 2009 World Champion reveals what keeps him up at night, his favourite smell and his hatred of ironing.

The McLaren driver gives an insight into this personal life

After 13 years in Formula 1, a World Championship, multiple race wins and driving for some of the sport's greatest teams, there is no denying Jenson Button's talent. But what about the man behind the helmet? Q: What keeps you awake at night?
Jenson Button: When my girlfriend kicks me a bit in her sleep because she's quite restless. (laughs) That's a joke. The truth is that I struggle to sleep. I move around a lot when I sleep - and I think a lot in my sleep. Q: If you could banish one thing from your life - for the rest of your life - what would that be?
JB: Washing my clothes. I do that, yes! I hate ironing as well. We do have a cleaning person, but I also do it once in a while - and I dislike it. Q: What's been your most valuable life lesson?
JB: When times are tough, always keep fighting. It is never over until it is over. Q: What do you admire?
JB: People who care for others and take the feelings of other people into consideration. But also people who do well in their field - like Rafael Nadal, or someone in business - who are doing things in the right way. Q: If you could give your younger self some advice what would it be?
JB: Probably to understand contracts a bit better in my Honda/Williams days and to take more time choosing my manager. (laughs) I've found the right one now, but it took me a long time. Q: If your racing career ended after this season what would you do with the rest of your life?
JB: I would love to still be involved with motorsport, to manage a driver and be involved in a driver's career. I have a lot to give - a lot of experience, good and bad. And as I am massively into triathlons, another thing to do would be to qualify for the world championship in triathlon. That is a big aim of mine in life. That is something that I definitely will try to do. Q: What animal best reflects your personality?
JB: Oh, that is difficult. I wouldn't be a cat, that's for sure. Cats are good on their own, they are loners, whereas I like having people around me. I was at Ascot recently and heard that horses have pet friends - they have sheep or goats as friends when they are in the stables - so I'd be a horse. Why not? Q: What is more important in life than winning?
JB: Nothing. Q: What would you spend your last dollar on?
JB: A good gravestone. Hopefully. Q: What is your greatest weakness?
JB: Thinking about issues too much. When I have a problem I try to think about it and then put it to the back of my mind - or throw it away completely - but it is very difficult. I go over things too much. How do I hide that from the world? I don't know - it's tricky - but experience gets you there. Q: What is your favourite smell?
JB: It goes back to my karting days and it's probably chain oil. I have great memories of those old days of karting. Q: What's your ultimate comfort food?
JB: I have a really sweet tooth so I would go for banoffee pie - something like that. I love souffles too - a proper French souffle is amazing. Q: What's the first thing you do when you get home after a race?
JB: Go for dinner with friend or have a beer. Q: What scares you?
JB: Failure,