Button warned about playing safe

If Button collects six points in total from the last two races (e.g. two 6th place finishes), he's World Champion, regardless of what Barrichello and Vettel do. Any points that Barrichello and Vettel *don't* get also helps Button because Button will win the tiebreaker (total wins) against either of them. To beat Button, Vettel must finish 1st and 2nd or with both races, while Barrichello needs at least two 2nd place finishes or better. And if either or both of Hamilton and Raikkonen finish first or second in either race, Barrichello and Vettel are toast.

And as for the constructor's title, Brawn GP need only one point to clinch, they are 35.5 points ahead of Red Bull. In both of the final races, Vettel and Webber would need first and second plus the Brawn team score zero points for Red Bull to win the constructor's title.

Whitmarsh isn't worried about "playing it safe", he's worried about image, about "winning in style". Button has only one podium finish in the last eight races after winning six of the first seven, and it would be an embarassment to the team for him to win the title by trying not to lose. Button (or Barrichello) will be the worst World Champion in history, but it's still a legitimate title.

Whitmarsh should just sit back and enjoy being Drivers' and Constructors' champion as a first year team. It's been a while since that was accomplished.

Button has only one podium finish in the last eight races after winning six of the first seven, and it would be an embarassment to the team for him to win the title by trying not to lose. Button (or Barrichello) will be the worst World Champion in history, but it's still a legitimate title.

I don't think so - the series points system is structured as it is: the most points wins. Whether it's consistent thirds all season, firsts all season, or by one point in the last race.

EVERYBODY "tries not to lose", and if you're leading there's no sense in racing "for $h¡† or glory" to accumulate the unneeded points.

If you don't like the current system then go find/support another series. Or help that little Beatle-haired hobbit create his 'gold/silver/bronze' scheme.

Congratulations, Brawn.
Congratulations, Button.