Triathlons Help Button To Improve As A Driver

Vodafone McLaren driver Jenson Button says doing triathlon events has helped him improve as a Formula One driver.

The Englishman's love affair with triathlons begun after a disappointing 2008 season with his former team Honda when he turned to the endurance event "as a release. Since then Button has contested several events including trying out for the Ironman World Championship where he reportedly finished third in his age group.

However, this past weekend saw the 2009 world champion take part in his own Trust Triathlon at Luton Hoo. And according to him, contesting these events has helped improve him as a Formula One driver.

Speaking to This Is Somerset, Button said: "When I took up triathlon I knew if I trained hard for it then I could succeed. I really got into it, I got hooked. I just love the sport, and over the years I've become more competitive. But for me, most of it is to improve my physical fitness, which in turn helps mentally when I jump into an F1 car, it really makes a difference. The team knows I love doing triathlons and that it makes me a better driver and a better person. They're very understanding."