Legendary British Formula 1 champion Jenson Button has decided to bring his illustrious racing career to a close. After stepping away from F1 in 2016, where he clinched the championship in 2009, Button has continued to compete, most recently in the World Endurance Championship. The upcoming eight-hour race in Bahrain will mark his final professional drive.
While currently known for his insightful analysis on Sky Sports, Button’s legacy extends back to his triumphs in Formula 1, where he notably bested Lewis Hamilton in fair competition. He made his mark in the early 2000s with the Renault team, just before they rose to dominance. However, he was controversially replaced by Fernando Alonso before Renault’s peak.
Despite the setback, Button found success with Honda, securing podium finishes and finally claiming his first F1 victory in 2006 after 113 Grand Prix starts. His career took a turn when Honda withdrew from F1 in 2008, but a remarkable turn of events led to his fairy-tale victory with the Brawn GP team, where he secured the World Championship with six wins in the first seven races.
Following his stint with McLaren as a World Champion in 2010, Button faced off against Hamilton, winning two races early in the season before struggling in a car more suited to Hamilton’s style. Despite challenges, 2011 showcased Button’s exceptional driving skills, highlighted by his memorable come-from-behind victory in Canada and emotionally significant win in Japan.
Notably, Button outscored Hamilton by 43 points in 2011, a feat matched by very few drivers. As he bids farewell to racing at the age of 45 to prioritize time with his young family, Button leaves a lasting legacy as a fierce competitor and a true sportsman. Formula 1 enthusiasts can enjoy live coverage of all events with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering substantial savings and additional benefits like access to over 100 TV channels, Netflix, and Discovery+.
