British Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, a revered sporting figure, is set to conclude his illustrious racing career after walking away from F1 in 2016. Despite retiring from F1, Button has continued to compete, most recently in the World Endurance Championship. His final professional race will be the upcoming eight-hour event in Bahrain.
Button, known for his insightful analysis on Sky Sports, holds a special place in the hearts of fans for his accomplishments in F1. He joins a select group of Brits who have triumphed in F1 and notably outshone Lewis Hamilton in head-to-head competition.
In the early 2000s, Button made his mark in F1 with the Renault team, which was on the cusp of dominating the sport. However, he missed out on being part of Renault’s success after being controversially replaced by Fernando Alonso. Button later found success with Honda, securing podium finishes and clinching his first F1 victory in 2006.
Following Honda’s departure in 2008, Button faced uncertainty about his F1 future. However, Ross Brawn’s takeover of the team led to a remarkable turnaround, with Button winning the World Championship for Brawn GP. Despite his success, Button struggled with the pressure and described it as one of the toughest periods in his life.
Moving to McLaren in 2010 as the reigning champion, Button engaged in a competitive rivalry with Hamilton. While he secured early victories, the season proved challenging as Hamilton’s driving style better suited the car. In 2011, Button displayed exceptional driving skills, notably with a remarkable last-to-first victory in Canada.
Throughout his career, Button has outperformed Hamilton in some seasons, showcasing his talent and determination on the track. Now, at 45, Button has decided to retire from racing to prioritize spending time with his young family.
Sky Sports has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle, now offering additional streaming services such as HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and more, along with comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 and other sports events. Viewers can enjoy exclusive access to Formula 1 races, Premier League matches, darts, and golf through Sky’s extensive channel lineup.