The Williams Formula 1 team has issued a profound tribute to Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 world champion, as the celebrated British driver concludes his professional racing career. Button, a figure synonymous with Formula 1 for nearly two decades, participated in his final competitive event, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) 8 Hours of Bahrain, marking the end of an era that spanned multiple premier motorsport disciplines.

Button’s journey in top-tier motorsport commenced in 2000, making his Formula 1 debut with the Williams team. Over his distinguished career, he amassed 15 Grand Prix victories, secured eight pole positions, recorded eight fastest laps, and famously clinched the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship in 2009. Following his retirement from Formula 1 at the close of the 2017 season, Button continued to showcase his versatility and passion for racing with stints in the Japanese Super GT series, the NASCAR Cup Series, and most recently, the World Endurance Championship.

The decision to step away from professional racing was announced by Button in July 2023, citing a desire to dedicate more time to his family after a career spanning over two decades at the pinnacle of global motorsport. This final WEC race in Bahrain served as a poignant closing chapter to a career that inspired millions worldwide.

In a public statement shared across their social media platforms, the Williams Racing team underscored Button’s enduring impact. "What a career. From your debut with Williams to your 2009 World Championship triumph, your journey has been pure class," the team posted. "On the day of your last race, Jenson Button, thank you for the memories and inspiring a generation of motorsport fans, leaving an enduring legacy in Formula 1." This tribute from his maiden F1 team highlighted the cyclical nature of his career, beginning and ending with acknowledgement from the very institution that launched him onto the global stage.

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Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, born January 19, 1980, in Frome, Somerset, England, first gained prominence in karting before progressing through junior single-seater categories. His exceptional talent earned him a test with the Williams F1 team in late 1999, competing against future star Bruno Junqueira for a race seat. Frank Williams, the team principal at the time, ultimately chose Button, making him the youngest British driver to start a Grand Prix at the age of 20. His rookie F1 season with Williams in 2000 saw him secure 12 points, finishing eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, a commendable achievement for a debutant. He demonstrated raw speed and a smooth driving style, immediately drawing comparisons to established veterans.

Following his single season with Williams, Button moved to Benetton (later Renault) for 2001-2002, and then embarked on a six-year tenure with BAR, which subsequently transformed into Honda Racing F1. It was during this period that Button secured his maiden Grand Prix victory at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix, a breakthrough moment after 113 starts. His time with Honda was marked by periods of strong performance interspersed with technical challenges, but it laid the groundwork for what would become the most remarkable chapter of his career.

The year 2009 represented the pinnacle of Button’s Formula 1 journey. Following Honda’s unexpected withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2008, the team was rescued by Ross Brawn, forming Brawn GP. Against all odds, the Brawn BGP 001, powered by a Mercedes engine and featuring the innovative double diffuser design, proved to be extraordinarily dominant at the start of the season. Button capitalized on this advantage, winning six of the first seven races. Despite a mid-season slump as rival teams caught up, his consistent points scoring, combined with strategic driving, allowed him to secure the World Championship at the penultimate race in Brazil. This underdog story resonated deeply within the motorsport community and beyond, cementing Button’s place in F1 folklore.

Post-championship, Button joined McLaren for the 2010 season, partnering fellow British world champion Lewis Hamilton. This high-profile pairing led to several memorable seasons, including a strong challenge for the title in 2011 where he finished second to Sebastian Vettel. He added multiple victories to his tally with McLaren before eventually concluding his full-time F1 career in 2016, making a one-off return at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2017 as a substitute for Fernando Alonso. His F1 career encompassed 306 Grand Prix starts, placing him among the most experienced drivers in the sport’s history.

After his departure from Formula 1, Button transitioned to other racing disciplines, proving his adaptability and continued competitive drive. In 2018, he competed in the Super GT series in Japan with Team Kunimitsu, where he sensationally clinched the championship in his debut full season alongside teammate Naoki Yamamoto. This demonstrated his ability to master new machinery and racing environments, adding another significant title to his illustrious resumé.

More recently, Button ventured into American stock car racing, making select appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023. Driving for Rick Ware Racing in collaboration with Stewart-Haas Racing, he competed at iconic tracks like Circuit of the Americas, Chicago Street Course, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, embracing the unique challenges of NASCAR.

His final chapter, the World Endurance Championship, saw him competing in the Hypercar class for Cadillac Racing, driving the potent Cadillac V-Series.R. The 2023 season marked Cadillac’s debut as a manufacturer in the WEC Hypercar category, and Button joined the team for a partial season, participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Bahrain finale. His participation highlighted the competitive nature of the Hypercar class, featuring factory entries from powerhouses like Porsche, Ferrari, and Toyota.

Speaking ahead of his final race at the Bahrain International Circuit, Button reflected on his long career and the impending transition. "I’m sure when I get out of the car, it will be something very different," Button commented, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. "I’m looking forward to getting in the car, 70 more laps in the Cadillac is going to be very short but I will do my best to enjoy every single one of them." His statement conveyed a sense of anticipation mixed with quiet reflection on the end of a professional era.

Button expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in their inaugural year in WEC. "I’m looking forward to this last race and then, on Sunday, everything changes," he continued. "To even be in with a shot of fighting for the WEC world championship as a team is mega in the team’s first year as a manufacturer. Fighting with Porsche and Ferrari, that’s just impressive." Cadillac Racing’s strong showing against established titans underscored their potential and provided a fitting context for Button’s departure.

"I definitely leave at a good point for this team, I wish them luck for next year and think they can fight for this world championship, which is awesome," Button added, offering a positive outlook for his former teammates. "It’s a nice way to end my professional racing career with a team I call family." This sentiment underscored the camaraderie and personal connections he forged, even in the latter stages of his career.

Jenson Button’s retirement marks the departure of one of motorsport’s most respected and popular figures. His legacy is characterized not only by his statistical achievements—15 Grand Prix wins, a Formula 1 World Championship, and a Super GT title—but also by his smooth driving style, his articulate and thoughtful demeanor, and his ability to adapt and excel across diverse racing disciplines. From his promising debut with Williams to his triumphant championship season and subsequent ventures into global motorsport, Button has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations and earning the admiration of peers and fans alike.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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