Button Denies 'Formula Desperate' Remark

Jenson Button has angrily denied describing Formula One as "Formula Desperate".

The McLaren driver, the most experienced on the grid, was quoted as saying by Brazil's UOL Esporte: "I feel that there are many drivers who should have learned more than they did learn before arriving in F1.

"They are very erratic. It's like they are driving in 'Formula Desperate' - they look like they're always so desperate.

"That sort of behaviour should have stopped by the time a driver arrives in F1. By the time your career reaches this level, you should already be smart enough to know what to do with the car and how to race for position."

However, in a series of indignant tweets posted ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Button refuted the reports.

"'Formula Desperate' this is supposedly a quote from me about young drivers in F1 but it's total rubbish, I never said that,' an unhappy Button told his followers.

"I personally feel the young talent in F1 have done an incredible job at such a young age. Some journalists do not deserve to be journalists if they take so many comments out of context or even change the words around to suit there [sic] article .."

:: The Austrian Grand Prix is being shown live exclusively on Sky Sports F1. The race begins at 1pm on Sunday.