Following a dramatic Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend – with the race being stopped with 24 laps to go, the off-track scandal involving McLaren and Lewis Hamilton and, the rogue snake being discovered in the toilets – the newspapers are full of comment and debate over the state of Formula One.

Following Button’s surprise victory last weekend in Melbourne things didn’t seem like they could get much better. That was until his seemingly unassailable Brawn machine did it again in Malaysia, despite the alarming weather conditions which saw the race bought to an early end. Add to that team mate Reubens Barrichello coming second in the standings , and it looking like next Tuesday’s meeting to decide the legality of Brawn GPs controversial rear diffuser will go in his favour, and Button looks like he could be this season’s golden boy.The Times have been keen to speculate on Button’s potential, asking ‘Who can stop Button’s fairytale start?’  with Edward Gorman praising both the lightening-speed of Button’s car and his quick-witted Brawn GP team mates, which meant that despite stopping four times during Sunday’s race and creeping around corners at a snails pace by the 31st lap, he was still the winner.

Whilst at the same time acknowledging Button’s success, Lewis  Hamilton’s notable effort does not go without mention either. Lewis revealed this weekend that he was close to quitting Formula One following the furore over the Melbourne Grand Prix, amid allegations of him lying to stewards – and whilst this dominates the headlines, it should be remembered that he did incredibly well to finish seventh from twelfth on the grid to claim a precious point. A particular feat, when we consider that the world champion was driving on extreme wets before the torrential downpour, and then had to struggle on intermediates.

The Guardian report on Bernie Ecclestone being criticised for the race being cut short – with him insisting on starting at 5pm to attract a wider audience across Europe, despite the monsoon-like storms being forecast for the evening. Raising interesting ideas about commerical interest in sports, The Guardian reported that following Sunday’s wash out there will be serious discussions before next year’s race. But, in the interests of not seeming too negative they also praise Button’s performance when the track was dry – putting an end to any suggestion that Button merely benefitted from the freak weather. By putting in fast laps immediately after Jarno Trulli (the leader) made his first pit-stop, Button was safely in the lead when the race was cancelled, but unfortunately for him he wasn’t able to zoom over the finishing line to rapturous applause and furious chequered flags – instead he sat in his car waiting for a decision to be made.

Adding his voice to the chorus of speculation and debate over this season’s Grand Prix is also Ross Brawn the owner and engineering genius behind his eponymous team. Writing in The Telegraph, Ross tells us that both Jenson Button and Brawn GP have ‘room for improvement’, predicting that both car and driver will naturally improve throughout the season. He also rather mischievously suggests that McLaren and Ferrari are ‘paying’ for last season’s success.

What do you think about the current issues facing Formula One? Do you dare predict Button’s future? Do you think Lewis Hamilton’s golden reign is over, or is it still early days for the world champion?