Does Button Really Have No Regrets After His Final Race?

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has announced his retirement from professional motorsport, concluding a distinguished career that spanned 18 seasons and included 15 Grand Prix victories. Button, who won the 2009 F1 title with Brawn GP, has expressed that he leaves the sport with "no regrets," having achieved everything he set out to do. His recent performance at the 8 Hours of Bahrain race, where he finished 16th for Cadillac, marks the end of his competitive racing journey, but he intends to continue enjoying motorsport in a more leisurely capacity.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jenson Button's retirement from professional racing is a significant moment for motorsport fans, marking the end of an era for a driver who has been a prominent figure in Formula 1 and beyond. At 45, Button has decided to step back from the intense demands of racing, citing a desire to focus on family as his children grow up. He has also indicated a shift towards enjoying motorsport in a more relaxed setting, where he can participate in events that interest him without the pressures of competition.

Key takeaways

Jenson Button retired from professional racing after the 8 Hours of Bahrain.
He won the 2009 F1 world championship and secured 15 race victories in F1.
Button plans to continue racing for fun in classic cars.

Timeline: how we got here

Jenson Button's journey in motorsport has seen several key milestones:

2000: Button makes his F1 debut with the Williams team.
2009: Wins the F1 world championship with Brawn GP.
2010-2012: Competes with McLaren, achieving notable performances.
2016: Retires from F1 after the season as a world champion.
2023: Concludes his professional racing career with Cadillac at the 8 Hours of Bahrain.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest news surrounding Jenson Button's retirement reflects his decision to step away from competitive racing and focus on family life. His recent race in Bahrain marked the end of an era for the driver, who has made a significant impact in motorsport.

What was already established

Button's career has been defined by his remarkable achievements, including his world championship win and numerous race victories. His reputation within the sport is built on his skillful driving, particularly in challenging conditions. Despite not being remembered as an all-time great like some of his contemporaries, his contributions to F1 remain significant.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK motorsport fans, Button's retirement signifies the close of a chapter in British motorsport history. His legacy will likely inspire future generations of drivers and motorsport enthusiasts, and his passion for racing will continue to resonate within the community.

Businesses and jobs

Button's departure from professional racing may impact various motorsport-related businesses, including sponsorships and promotional events. His involvement in different racing disciplines has contributed to the visibility of motorsport in the UK, and his absence may create opportunities for emerging talent.

Policy and regulation

While Button's retirement is a personal decision, it reflects broader trends in motorsport where drivers are increasingly evaluating their career longevity and the mental and physical toll of racing. This may prompt discussions about driver welfare and the support systems in place within the sport.

Numbers that matter

15: Number of Grand Prix victories in Button's F1 career.
1: World Championship title won in 2009.
18: Seasons spent competing in Formula 1.
6: Wins in the first seven races of the 2009 season.

Definitions and jargon buster

Formula 1 (F1): The highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Brawn GP: The team that Button drove for when he won the championship in 2009.
Endurance racing: A type of motorsport where teams race for extended periods, often lasting several hours.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Button transitions away from competitive racing, fans and the motorsport community can expect to see him engage in classic car events and possibly participate in charity races.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Button may begin to explore roles within motorsport as a mentor or commentator, sharing his expertise with upcoming drivers and fans alike.

Signals to watch

Any announcements regarding Button's involvement in motorsport events or commentary roles.
Updates on his racing activities in classic events.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on motorsport news for updates on Button's future activities.
Consider attending classic car events where Button might participate.

Don’t

Assume Button will completely disappear from the motorsport scene; he may still be active in a different capacity.
Overlook the impact of his legacy on upcoming drivers and the sport.

Checklist

Stay informed about motorsport events where Button may appear.
Follow Button's social media for updates on his classic car racing.
Explore opportunities to engage with the motorsport community in light of Button's legacy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Button has expressed contentment with his achievements, the motorsport landscape is ever-changing. His retirement may lead to speculation about potential comebacks or involvement in other racing formats. Furthermore, the impact of his departure on the overall F1 narrative and the emergence of new talent will be closely observed.

Bottom line

Jenson Button's retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in both his life and the world of motorsport. His legacy as a skilled driver and world champion will endure as he transitions to enjoying racing on his own terms. As fans, it is essential to celebrate his contributions and look forward to the next generation of drivers inspired by his journey.

FAQs

What were Jenson Button's major achievements in Formula 1?

Jenson Button's major achievements in Formula 1 include his 2009 World Championship win and 15 Grand Prix victories throughout his career.

Why did Jenson Button retire from professional racing?

Button retired from professional racing to focus on family and enjoy motorsport in a more relaxed manner, stating he has "no regrets" about his career.

What will Jenson Button do after retirement?

After retirement, Button plans to participate in classic car racing for fun and may engage in mentoring or commentary roles within motorsport.