Jenson Button, English race car driver

Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, born on January 19, 1980, is a highly distinguished British racing driver, widely recognized for his remarkable achievements across various motorsport disciplines. He ascended to global prominence by clinching the prestigious 2009 Formula One World Championship title.

A Fairytale Championship with Brawn GP

Button's crowning achievement came in the 2009 Formula One season, where he drove for the Brawn GP team. This championship victory was nothing short of a sporting fairytale, given the extraordinary circumstances. After Honda withdrew from Formula One at the end of 2008 due to the global financial crisis, the team's future was uncertain. However, Ross Brawn, the team principal, orchestrated a dramatic management buyout just weeks before the 2009 season began, transforming the Honda Racing F1 Team into Brawn GP. Despite the incredibly tight timeframe and limited resources, the Brawn BGP 001 car, ingeniously designed with a controversial yet highly effective double diffuser, proved to be an immediate pacesetter. Button capitalised on this aerodynamic advantage, winning an astonishing six of the first seven races of the season, a dominant start that set the foundation for his championship success. He ultimately secured the Formula One World Drivers' Championship at the penultimate race, the Brazilian Grand Prix, having maintained a points lead throughout the entire season. This triumph also propelled Brawn GP to secure the World Constructors' Championship, marking one of the most improbable and memorable double championships in F1 history, a testament to brilliant engineering and strategic management.

Dominance in Japanese Motorsport: Super GT Champion

Following his extensive and illustrious career in Formula One, Jenson Button continued to demonstrate his versatility and competitive spirit in other premier racing series. In 2018, he achieved further significant success by becoming the champion of the Super GT Series, a highly competitive and prestigious grand touring championship based in Japan. Competing in the top-tier GT500 class, which features highly advanced prototype racing cars, Button partnered with Japanese driver Naoki Yamamoto, sharing a Honda NSX-GT racing car for Team Kunimitsu. Their combined efforts, marked by consistent performance and strategic racecraft throughout the season, led them to secure the series title, further cementing Button's legacy as a multi-discipline motorsport champion.

From Karting Prodigy to F1 Aspirant

Jenson Button's journey in motorsport began at a remarkably young age, showcasing his innate talent from the outset. He first took to karting at just eight years old, quickly displaying prodigious ability that set him apart. His early successes in karting included winning the British Cadet Kart Championship and the British Formula A Championship, among other prestigious national titles, laying a strong foundation for his future career. As he matured, Button seamlessly transitioned into car racing, progressing through crucial junior formulae such as the British Formula Ford Championship, where he spectacularly won the title in 1998, and later the British Formula 3 Championship. These formative years honed his racecraft, understanding of car dynamics, and competitive mindset, thoroughly preparing him for the pinnacle of open-wheel racing.

Navigating the F1 Grid: Williams, Benetton, Renault, and BAR

Button made his highly anticipated Formula One debut in the 2000 season with the Williams-BMW team, a top-tier constructor known for its championship pedigree and strong engine partnership. He impressed with his raw speed and potential as a rookie, immediately making an impact. The following year, he made a strategic move to Benetton, a team undergoing significant transition as it was preparing for a full manufacturer takeover. Benetton was subsequently rebranded as the factory Renault team at the start of the 2002 season, providing Button with an opportunity to grow with an emerging force in the sport. For the 2003 season, he transitioned to BAR (British American Racing), a team with ambitious plans and substantial manufacturer backing from Honda. This period saw Button consistently demonstrate his talent, culminating in a breakthrough year in 2004 where his potential truly began to shine.

Achieving Milestones with BAR and Honda

The 2004 season with BAR was a pivotal moment in Button's career, as he consistently showcased his full potential by finishing a commendable third in the World Drivers' Championship standings. This remarkable performance included ten podium finishes and his first pole position, firmly establishing him as a front-runner. While the 2005 championship saw a slight dip to ninth place, the team underwent another significant change, being fully acquired and rebranded as the Honda Racing F1 Team for the 2006 season. It was with Honda that Jenson Button finally achieved his long-awaited maiden Formula One victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This momentous win came after 113 Grand Prix starts, a testament to his unwavering perseverance and dedication throughout what was often a challenging period in his career, making him a popular and respected figure within the sport.

The McLaren Era and F1 Farewell

At the outset of the 2010 season, Button made a high-profile move to McLaren, one of Formula One's most iconic and successful teams. Here, he partnered with fellow British World Champion Lewis Hamilton, creating an all-British, champion lineup that captivated fans and produced fierce but respectful competition. After securing a respectable fifth place in the 2010 championship, Button delivered a standout performance in 2011, finishing as the runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship. This season was highlighted by an iconic victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, a race often regarded as one of the greatest F1 races of all time due to his charge from last to first in changing conditions. While the 2012 season saw him finish fifth again, the subsequent four seasons with McLaren, amidst a challenging period for the team as they transitioned to Honda power, yielded no further Grand Prix victories. Button officially retired from full-time Formula One racing at the close of the 2016 season, concluding a distinguished career spanning 17 years and nearly two decades in motorsport. He made a memorable one-off return at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, deputizing for Fernando Alonso, who was competing in the Indianapolis 500, a demonstration of his enduring commitment and skill.

Jenson Button: A Legacy in Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions About Jenson Button

When was Jenson Button born?
Jenson Button was born on January 19, 1980, in Frome, Somerset, England.
Which Formula One team did Jenson Button win his championship with?
He famously won the 2009 Formula One World Championship with the Brawn GP team, an unexpected success story.
What other major championship did Jenson Button win after F1?
After his Formula One career, he became the champion of the highly competitive 2018 Super GT Series in Japan, competing in the GT500 class.
How many Grand Prix races did Jenson Button win in Formula One?
Jenson Button secured 15 Grand Prix victories throughout his distinguished Formula One career.
When did Jenson Button make his Formula One debut?
He made his Formula One debut in the 2000 season with the Williams-BMW team.