Jenson Button has officially announced his retirement from competitive motorsport. The former world champion of 2009 will make his final appearance at the Eight Hours of Bahrain in early November before bidding farewell to his racing career.
After concluding his Formula 1 journey in 2016 and making a brief return for McLaren at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, Button ventured into various racing categories such as the NASCAR Cup Series and the World Endurance Championship.
At 45 years old, Button, who currently serves as a pundit on Sky Sports F1, had previously disclosed his decision to step back from full-time racing and depart from his role with Jota Cadillac. He has now affirmed that his days as a professional racer are coming to a close.
Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Button expressed, “This will mark my final race. Bahrain has always been a track I enjoy, and I plan to savor the experience as it signifies the conclusion of my professional racing career.”
Acknowledging the demands of his personal life, particularly with young children, Button emphasized the challenges of balancing racing commitments with family responsibilities. Reflecting on his time with Jota in the World Endurance Championship, he noted the difficulty of dedicating sufficient time to racing amidst his busy schedule.
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Despite facing setbacks at the start of the season in Qatar and Imola, Button and his teammates Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais have shown resilience with strong showings at Spa and Le Mans, culminating in a podium finish in Sao Paulo. As they gear up for a showdown with Porsche in the American Manufacturers’ Championship battle, Button’s team is determined to close the 22-point gap in the final round in Bahrain.
Commenting on their championship aspirations, Button remarked, “We are still in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. While securing a win is challenging, achieving second place is within reach. The upcoming race in Bahrain holds significant importance for us, especially as it marks the conclusion of my professional racing tenure.”