British Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, a renowned sporting figure, is set to conclude his illustrious racing career at the upcoming eight-hour race in Bahrain. Button, who claimed the championship title in 2009, retired from F1 in 2016 but has since participated in the World Endurance Championship. The Bahrain race will mark his final professional drive.
Although Button is recognized by contemporary audiences for his insightful analysis on Sky Sports, he is esteemed by long-time fans as one of the select British drivers who have triumphed in F1, including defeating Lewis Hamilton in fair competition.
Button made his mark in the early 2000s with the Renault team, which was on the brink of dominating the grid. Despite not being able to be part of Renault’s subsequent success, Button found success with Honda, securing multiple podium finishes and clinching his first F1 victory in 2006.
Following Honda’s abrupt exit in 2008, Button faced uncertainty about his F1 future until Ross Brawn’s acquisition of the team for £1 paved the way for his remarkable journey to becoming World champion with Brawn GP.
Reflecting on his challenging championship year, Button admitted to immense self-imposed pressure, emphasizing the mental toll of his pursuit for success. His tenure at McLaren as World champion in 2010 saw him compete against Hamilton, with whom he shared a fierce rivalry.
Despite being outshone by Sebastian Vettel in the 2011 title race, Button showcased exceptional driving skills throughout the season, notably securing a memorable victory in Canada. Additionally, he outperformed Hamilton in points that year, a feat achieved by only a few drivers.
At 45, Button has decided to retire from racing to prioritize spending time with his young family, underlining the importance of being present for his children’s formative years.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can catch all the live action, including practice sessions and races, through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports package, which also offers access to various TV channels, Netflix, and Discovery+ subscriptions.