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Danica Patrick and Jenson Button for Sky F1 at the United States GP - Photo: RacePictures
F1 News

Button goes viral with awkward Danica Patrick moment live on TV

13:51, 23 Oct
Updated: 18:05, 23 Oct
5 Comments

A viral clip from Sky F1’s United States GP coverage shows Jenson Button humorously glancing at the camera while fellow pundit Danica Patrick speaks.

It happened on live TV as part of the post-race reaction to the collision between Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli.

Sainz and Antonelli collide at COTA

On Lap 6 of the United States GP Williams driver Sainz and Mercedes rookie Antonelli collided at COTA’s Turn 15.

A fast-starting Sainz surprised Antonelli with a daring move up the inside of and the two collided as the Mercedes driver turned in.

This put Sainz out of the race - the only retirement during the whole Grand Prix - while Antonelli recovered to finish P13.

The stewards judged that Sainz was at fault and have awarded him a five-place grid penalty ahead of this weekend’s Mexican GP, as well as two penalty points to his super license.

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Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli collide at Turn 15 on lap 6 of the United States GP - Photo: RacePictures

The viral reaction

Reacting to Sainz’s decision to overtake Antonelli at that particular part of the race track, the former Indycar driver Patrick said: “Not the best spot to go. When you make a move in an unusual place, then you get an unusual result.”

With Patrick facing Sky F1 presenter Simon Lazenby, Button turned slightly and looked down the barrel of the camera with a wry smile.

Button held the pose for a few seconds before turning back towards his fellow pundit to continue the conversation.

The moment caught the attention of fans online, with many drawing a comparison between Button and the US Office character Jim Halpert, known for his delivery of witty looks to camera.

Its not the first time this season that Patrick has gained attention online for her on-screen chemistry with Sky Sports pundits.

At the Canadian GP in June, Patrick's on-air statement that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is 'not a super challenging track' rendered Martin Brundle speechless.

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