Explore the illustrious career of Jenson Button, the renowned British Formula One driver. From his early beginnings in racing, to his triumphant 2009 World Championship win, and his various ventures post-F1, this timeline captures key moments and milestones in Button's life and career.
Jenson Button was born on January 19, 1980, in Frome, Somerset, England. He was the youngest of four siblings and grew up with a passion for motorsport. His father, John Button, was a former rallycross driver, which influenced Jenson's interest in racing from a young age. Jenson's early exposure to the racing world set the foundation for his successful career in Formula One and other motorsport categories.
Jenson Button made his Formula One debut in the 2000 Australian Grand Prix with the Williams team. At the age of 20, he was one of the youngest drivers to compete in F1 at the time. Button impressed many with his performance during the season, scoring points in only his second race and establishing himself as a promising talent. His debut marked the beginning of a long and successful Formula One career.
Jenson Button achieved his first Formula One victory at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix, driving for the Honda team. The race was marked by difficult conditions, including wet weather and multiple incidents, but Button's skill and strategy allowed him to emerge victorious. This win was a significant breakthrough moment in Button's career, showcasing his driving talent and persistence in the sport.
Jenson Button won the 2009 Formula One World Championship driving for Brawn GP. Despite starting the season with a dominant performance, winning six of the first seven races, Button faced challenges in the latter half of the season. Nevertheless, he secured the championship title at the Brazilian Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place but gaining sufficient points to clinch the title, with one race to spare.
On December 5, 2014, McLaren announced that Jenson Button had signed a contract extension to continue racing for the team in the 2015 Formula One season. This was an important development amid speculation about his future in the sport. Button's experience and skill were seen as valuable assets for McLaren as they aimed to return to competitiveness. The extension also solidified Button's long-standing relationship with the team.
Jenson Button returned to Formula One for a one-off race at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix with McLaren. Button, who had taken a sabbatical in 2017, replaced Fernando Alonso, who was participating in the Indianapolis 500. Despite a long absence from racing, Button demonstrated his ability to adapt to the challenging Monaco circuit. Although he did not finish the race due to a collision, the event was a notable highlight of his career.
Jenson Button won his first Super GT race at the 2018 Fuji 500km, driving for Team Kunimitsu in the GT500 class. This victory was an important milestone for Button as he transitioned from Formula One to endurance racing. Teaming up with Naoki Yamamoto, Button showcased his adaptability and skill in a new racing discipline, contributing to their eventual success in clinching the 2018 Super GT Championship.
Jenson Button announced his retirement from full-time racing on December 18, 2019. Having transitioned successfully from Formula One to other motorsport disciplines like Super GT and endurance racing, Button decided to step back from regular competition. His retirement marked the end of an era for a highly respected and admired driver, who had left a legacy in multiple racing series, including winning a Formula One World Championship.
In March 2021, Jenson Button took on a new role as a Senior Advisor for the Williams Formula One team. Returning to the team where he began his F1 career, Button's appointment was seen as a strategic move to leverage his vast experience in the sport. His insights and guidance were expected to aid the team's development and performance as they worked to climb the ranks in the competitive Formula One landscape.
Jenson Button joined the Sky Sports F1 commentary team, providing expert analysis and insights during the 2022 Formula One World Championship season. Known for his charismatic personality and deep understanding of the sport, Button added significant value to the broadcast, engaging fans with his firsthand knowledge as a former world champion and offering a unique perspective on races and driver dynamics.
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