Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Jenson Button won titles in Formula Ford, Formula 1 and Super GT, established himself in endurance racing and also tried NASCAR, Extreme E and rallycross.
There have been difficult times along the way, and Button even admitted he once feared his time in F1 was over as he struggled with uncompetitive machinery and uncertainty surrounding Honda’s Grand Prix future.
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But a fairytale season with Brawn GP in 2009 completely transformed his career, leading him to become one of the most successful British drivers of all time.
Button’s career highlights
Jenson Button, Brawn Grand Prix celebrates his World Championship victory
Jenson Button, Brawn Grand Prix celebrates his World Championship victory
As Button brought back the curtain on his professional racing career at the World Endurance Championship season finale in Bahrain last weekend, he looked back on the moments that defined his journey.
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“Winning the Formula Super A European Championship in karting,” he began. “I walked into Frank (Williams)’s office in 2000, when I got the wheel for Williams, and he said to me: ‘You’re going to be an F1 driver!’ It was pretty cool.
“First podium, always exciting, was (in) 2004 (at Sepang). First victory, 2006 (Hungarian GP), and obviously the world championship in 2009.
“But also winning the Super GT championship in 2018. It doesn’t matter what championship it is, when you win the emotion and the adrenaline is always the same. So it was pretty special.”
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Button’s best WEC moments
#24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Hendrick Motorsports of Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, Jenson Button
#24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Hendrick Motorsports of Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, Jenson Button
Button joined the WEC for the first time for the 2018/19 season, driving the BR Engineering BR1 for SMP Racing. But he left the program after just four rounds to prioritize his Super GT commitments and spend more time with his family.
He returned to the WEC in 2024 on a two-year deal with Jota, first driving the customer Porsche 963 LMDh before moving to the factory Cadillac V-Series.R this year.
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During his two stints in the WEC, he scored two podiums – one with SMP and Jota – but never stood on the top step of the podium.
Button was also selected to drive a NASCAR-based Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, sharing the Garage 56 entry with stock car legend Jimmie Johnson and 2010 winner Mike Rockenfeller.
“Two moments that really stood out (for me in the WEC),” he said. “One of them would be Brazil (this year) because of the double (for Cadillac and Jota).
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“Our car wasn’t on the top step, but I didn’t care. It was the atmosphere we had, at that moment, to get a double in such a competitive championship, with a fairly new car for Jota, was exceptional. Really proud of the whole team.”
“The other special moment of the WEC wouldn’t be with Jota. It would be the Garage 56 car. Simply because it’s something that no one else was able to do. It was such a cool project, and something that will probably never happen again.”
Button’s favorite F1 cars
Jenson Button, McLaren MP4/26
Jenson Button, McLaren MP4/26
Button made his F1 debut with Williams in 2000 before joining Benetton, which later became Renault, on a two-year contract.
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It wasn’t until a move to BAR-Honda in 2003 that he really found his rhythm, putting in an impressive sophomore campaign the following year to finish third in the championship with 10 podiums in 18 races.
A first victory followed two years later, but Honda’s competitive situation subsequently declined and the Japanese manufacturer left F1 at the height of the global financial crisis in 2008.
The management buyout of Ross Brawn saved the Brackley-based team and, under the Brawn GP banner, it won both championships in 2009, with Button beating teammate Rubens Barrichello to the drivers’ title.
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Even though Mercedes took over Brawn GP the following year, Button linked up with McLaren, teaming up with Lewis Hamilton. Eight more victories followed, bringing his career total to 15, and he even finished second behind Sebastian Vettel in the 2011 standings.
Button retired from F1 at the end of 2016 but made a one-off return at the 2017 Monaco GP, replacing Fernando Alonso.
Speaking in Bahrain, the 45-year-old chose the F1 cars he most enjoyed driving.
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“The best car for me was the 2011 McLaren (MP4-26). I would say it was the best car I have ever driven in F1,” he said.
“And then for the feel, I would probably say the BAR-Honda (006) from 2004. We had a flexible rear wing and it was such a nice car to drive (with the) V10 (engine). It wasn’t as fast as the Ferraribut it was really fun to drive. I got 10 podiums (but) I didn’t win any races.
“And then the Brawn (BGP 001). The funny thing about the Brawn is that everyone says, ‘this must be the best car you’ve ever driven.’
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“But we went from the rules with more downforce in 2008 to then less downforce in 2009. So (the Brawn) was better than the other cars, but it wasn’t that fast; there were still weaknesses in the car. But the memories of that car were incredible.
“Also, my very first F1 car was pretty special, the FW22. It didn’t do anything wrong. It was so nice to drive, like a big kart. And I got to drive that car last year at Silverstone, which was great.”
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