Jenson Button set a new fitness standard for Formula 1 drivers to follow, according to his former trainer Phil Young.

Young became an integral part of Button’s F1 entourage from 2001-2007 before he embarked on a move to Australia to work in Supercars.

The now Gold Coast-based trainer first worked with Button at Benetton forging a relationship that saw the British F1 star request his services when he moved BAR Honda in 2003.

The pair have remained in contact since Young’s decision to exit F1 with Button calling upon him for a one-off appearance at last year’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Button called time on a 17-year F1 career last Sunday and while his results will leave a mark on the sport, Young believes he raised the bar in terms of driver fitness.

“I think there were a few drivers previous like Ayrton Senna who pushed the bar,” Young told Speedcafe.com.

“But with Jenson and the likes of Mark Webber, I think they all embraced the fitness side of things and come to realise that to get the best out of yourself in a car you have to be 100 percent both mentally and physically.

“When it comes to hard races in hot conditions like Malaysia, I certainly think fitness does give you the edge in those last few laps of a race.

“Fitness is a integral part of they they do.”

Having developed a passion for fitness through triathlons, Young is convinced Button will stay in shape and be ready to make a F1 comeback if called upon by McLaren.

“Of anyone who could possibly make a comeback he is probably the one that could do it,” he added.

“If that (a comeback) was to happen I don’t think would disgrace himself.

“He does take pride in his fitness with the triathlons and other things he does.

“By the sounds of it he will still be very much involved with the team in the future.

“I think he would be an excellent third driver. With his experience and fitness he will be able to jump back in if he was ever needed.”

Now entrenched in Supercars working alongside James Courtney, Young hailed Button as one of his best clients.

“Both of us being British, we struck it off quite early on. There was an age difference and I think that worked quite well,” he said.

“I was the wiser head and we got on very well.

“We still keep in touch and catch up with him once a year.

“It was just a shame I missed his championship year but that is how things go.”