He may not be the 2011 champion, but he is one of the undoubted kings of the paddock – suave, polite and affable out of the cockpit, but hard as nails once in it – and without incurring driver penalties. McLaren’s Jenson Button could well finish runner-up this season, but his main concern right now is winning in Abu Dhabi – and Friday’s form suggests he may well do just that