With both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships long decided, the season’s last race was somewhat overshadowed by the news that Jenson Button is to stay with his present BAR Honda team for another year, instead of joining Williams as previously announced.
Both teams agreed to abide by the decision made by a three-man team of lawyers comprising the Formula One Contracts Recognition Board, although fellow driver Rubens Barrichello perhaps summed up the situation best when saying “It’s like having a girlfriend you don’t want anymore”. Time will tell.
The two Ferraris were fastest in practice on the Interlagos track, with Barrichello bidding to end a miserable string of results at his home Grand Prix. He took pole ahead of Montoya, with the troubled Button in fifth. Schumacher was forced to start from the back following an engine substitution. In a race of contrasting fortunes, Montoya took the chequered flag. Barrichello managed third, Button exited on lap three and Schumacher finished his season in seventh.
