"Ahh, Next year, I won't be driving for the cup,I won't be racing the cup. Ahm, I ... will be living by my skatchual, nobody's skatchual. Which I *Laughs* You know, I haven't done since I'm been here, since I'm a formula 1 driver since I'm 19 years old, so ... this is something I really need for myself."

 

Jenson Button drove from 2000 to 2016 as a main driver in the Formula 1 championship, including a mini-comeback in Monaco 2017. Nice guy, sympathic and a person you just notice missing this year. By far, Button was never the best driver, may it mistakes, the car or wrong strategy but when he did show his talent, he showed great. Enough to be a champion in 2009, vice in 2011 and 15 victories. His career wasn't always easy, often it was unclear if he even drives next year, like the last few years by McLaren or 2009.

 

Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, so his full name, was born at the 19th January of 1980 in Frome, Somerset. His parents where Simone Lyons and John Button. They divorced when hewas 7 years old. Trough his father beeing a well-known british Rallycross driver, Button startedalready young to get interested in driving. He started karting when he was 8 years old and that succesfully. 1989, 9 years old he became first in the British Super Prix. At 1991, he won all 34 races and the title in the British Cadet Cart. He managed 3 triumphs in the British Open Kart Championship after, 1997 he won the Ayrton Senna Memorial Cup and the youngest driver winning the European Super A Championship.

 

When becoming 18 years old, he moved to car racing, where hewon the British Formula Ford Championship. He also triumphed in the Formula Ford Festival. At the end of same year he won the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award. 1999, Button won 3 times in the British Formula 3 Championship.

 

1998: British Formula Ford Championship

Haywood Racing

15 Races

7 Wins

9 Poles

7 Fastest Laps

12 Podiums

133 Points

Champion

 

1998: Formula Ford Festival

Haywood Racing

1 Race

1 Win

1 Podium

Champion

 

1999: British Formula 3

Promatecme UK

16 Races

3 Wins

3 Poles

4 Fastest Laps

7 Podiums

168 Points

3rd

 

1999: Macau Grand Prix

Promatecme UK

1 Race

1 Podium

2nd

 

1999: Masters of Formula 3

Promatecme UK

1 Race

5th

 

1999: Korea Super Prix

Promatecme UK

1 Race

1 Podium

2nd

 

1999: Spa 24 Hours

BMW FINA Team Rafanelli

1 Race

NC(Not classified, finished race)

 

 

Formula 1

 

2000 then Button get the chance of his life, to drive in the Formula 1 Championship with Williams. In a shoot-out Button had to fight for the cockpit against Formula 3000 Driver Bruno Junqueira, which Button won. This made him the youngest british Formula 1 driver. The expectations of Button where mixed. Some hyped the young britian, others where unsure with his lack of experience in F1. In his debut in Australia he crashed during the free practice and qualified second-last, in the race however he showed his strength, setting a point on his first race ... then his engine failed 11 laps before the end of the race.

In brazil he then scored his first points as 6th, what back then made him the youngest F1 driver scoring points. In his first 6 races he outqualified Ralf Schumacher twice. Mid-way in season it was announced that Juan Pablo Montoya will replace Button next year. They keeped however the contract with him and he went to Benetton for the next 2 years.

Button's best qualifying was 3rd in Belgian. His best position was 4th in Germany.

2000: Formula 1

BMW Williams F1 Team

Australia: Not classified, Retired

Brazilia: 6th(1 Point)

San Marino: Not classified, retired

Great Britian: 5th(2 Points)

Spain: 17th(Classified, retired)

Europe: 10th(Classified, retired)

Monaco: Not classified, retired

Canada: 11th

France: 8th

Austria: 5th(2 Points)

Germany: 4th(3 Points)

Hungary: 9th

Belgia: 5th(2 Points)

Italy: Not classified, retired

USA: Not classified, retired

Japan: 5th(2 Points)

Malaysia: Not classified, retired

12 Points

8th

Teammate: Ralf Schumacher(German) 5th

 

In 2001 Button was forced to change to Benetton. Too his bad luck the car was horrible and his new teammate outperformed him over and over again. His team principal Flavio Briatore even offered him chances to just leave F1. The lack of improving the car and his lifestyle marked him as a "playboy". His best result, and only points, where a 5th place in Germany.

2001: Formula 1

Mild Seven Benetton Renault

Australia: 14th(Classified, retired)

Malaysia: 11th

Brazilia: 10th

San Marino: 12th

Spain: 15th

Austria: Not classified, retired

Monaco: 7th

Canada: Not classified, retired

Europe: 13th

France: 16th(Classified, retired)

Great Britian: 15th

Germany: 5th(2 Points)

Hungary: Not classified, retired

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Italy: Not classified, retired

USA: 9th

Japan: 7th

2 Points

17th

Teammate: Giancarlo Fisichella(Italian) 11th

 

In 2002, Button stayed despite what was toldand used the break to improve his understanding with the team. And it seems it did help, he did way better then 2001. If he wouldn't got a problem in Malaysia, he could even achieved his first podium. Altough outqualified by his new teammate Trulli, in the races Button definitly beated him. Later it was announced that Button changes the team next year to BAR, making place for test-driver Alonso. Button finished the first time ahead of his teammate.

2002: Formula 1

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

Australia: Not classified, retired

Malaysia: 4th(3 Points)

Brazilia: 4th(3 Points)

San Marino: 5th(2 Points)

Spain: 12th(Classified, retired)

Austria: 7th

Monaco: Not classified, retired

Canada: 15th(Classified, retired)

Europe: 5th(2 Points)

Great Britian: 12th(Classified, retired)

France: 6th(1 Point)

Germany: Not classified, retired

Hungary: Not classified, retired

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Italy: 5th(2 Points)

USA: 8th

Japan: 6th(1 Point)

14 Points

7th

Teammate: Jarno Trulli(Italian) 8th

 

In 2003, Button get already in conflict with his new teammate Villeneuve, who tells Button, that he only got the seat because of his marketing appeal, not his skills. With a pit stop in the first race, the relationship between those two went even worse. Button did well in the first six races, earning more points, also to the new point system that gives 7th and 8th points too, then his teammate. Button then crashed heavily with 185 mph(298 km/h) in Monaco during the saturday practice, making him even uncouncious and brought to hospital. Button still wanted to race but got denied on medical advice. He however could race again in the next race. Button keeped outperforming Villeneuve and same person lost his seat to Takuma Sato before the final race.

2003: Formula 1

Lucky Strike BAR Honda

Australia: 10th

Malaysia: 7th(2 Points)

Brazilia: Not classified, retired

San Marino: 8th(1 Point)

Spain: 9th

Austria: 4th(5 Points)

Monaco: DNS(Did not start)

Canada: Not classified, retired

Europe: 7th(2 Points)

France: Not classified, retired

Great Britian: 8th(1 Point)

Germany: 8th(1 Point)

Hungary: 10th

Italy: Not finished, retired

USA: Not finished, retired

Japan: 4th(5 Points)

17 Points

9th

Teammate: Jacques Villeneuve(Canadian) 16th/Takuma Sato(Japanese) 18th

 

In 2004, Button was for first time the more experienced driver. He immediately got 3rd in the second race. Followed with another 3rd after and even a 2nd place. The results where great, the onlydrivers better then him where both Ferrari's. Negative was his contract situation. Button wanted to leave BAR and return to Williams, what wasstrange for having the best season so far. And Williams was struggling. The conflict ended with Button having to stay 2005 by BAR. And so he was forced to stay.

2004: Formula 1

Lucky Strike BAR Honda

Australia: 6th(3 Points)

Malaysia: 3rd(6 Points)

Bahrain: 3rd(6 Points)

San Marino: 2nd(8 Points)(POLE-POSITION)

Spain: 8th(1 Point)

Monaco: 2nd(8 Points)

Europe: 3rd(6 Points)

Canada: 3rd(6 Points)

USA: Not classified, retired

France: 5th(4 Points)

Great Britian: 4th(5 Points)

Germany: 2nd(8 Points)

Hungary: 5th(4 Points)

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Italy: 3rd(6 Points)

China: 2nd(8 Points)

Japan: 3rd(6 Points)

Brazilia: Not classified, retired

85 Points

3rd

Teammate: Takuma Sato(Japanese) 8th

 

In 2005, he stayed optimistic, but his season started everything but good. Button retires from all 3 races, one onlycounted as 11th, because he had done more then 90% of the race. Instead of getting better, Button has to accept his first and only disqualification in his career. Button actually got third, but the cars had a second fuel tank spotted and at the end, Button and Sato get there points stripped and disqualified, to make things worse, both then got banned for the next 2 races. Returning it still keeps not getting better, not starting, as many others with Michelin tyres in USA trough safety concerns. This made the coin spin, becausein the following rest races Button scored in all of them. Button again has contract difficulties, this time wanting to stay. At the end Williams allows him for lotta money. BAR brought Barrichello in team and Honda buyed all of the team.

2005: Formula 1

Lucky Strike BAR Honda

Australia: 11th(Classified, retired)

Malaysia: Not classified, retired

Bahrain: Not classified, retired

San Marino: DSQ(Disqualified)

Spain: Banned

Monaco: Banned

Europe: 10th

Canada: Not classified, retired(POLE-POSITION)

USA: DNS(Did not started)

France: 4th(5 Points)

Great Britian: 5th(4 Points)

Germany: 3rd(6 Points)

Hungary: 5th(4 Points)

Turkey: 5th(4 Points)

Italy: 8th(1 Point)

Belgia: 3rd(6 Points)

Brazilia: 7th(2 Points)

Japan: 5th(4 Points)

China: 8th(1 Point)

37 Points

9th

Teammate: Takuma Sato(Japanese) 23rd/Anthony Davidson(Britian) 26th

 

In 2006, Button'season went better, even tough the first half was still difficult. Tough theseason has his problems, Button finally got his first victory ever, in the heavy rained and chaotic Hungary Race. He also scored in the last few races more pointsthen any other driver.

2006: Formula 1

Lucky Strike Honda Racing F1 Team

Bahrain: 4th(5 Points)

Malaysia: 3rd(6 Points)

Australia: 10th(Classified, retired)(POLE-POSITION)

San Marino: 7th(2 Points)

Europe: Not classified, retired

Spain: 6th(3 Points)

Monaco: 11th

Great Britian: Not classified, retired

Canada: 9th

USA: Not classified, retired

France: Not classified, retired

Germany: 4th(5 Points)

Hungary: 1st(10 Points)(VICTORY)

Turkey: 4th(5 Points)

Italy: 5th(4 Points)

China: 4th(5 Points)

Japan: 4th(5 Points)

Brazilia: 3rd(6 Points)

56 Points

6th

Teammate: Rubens Barrichello(Brasilian) 7th

 

In 2007, Button has to see soon, that Honda did not well. He only got 3 times into the points, Barrichello not even scored 1 point. It was later announced that he still stays with Honda next year.

2007: Formula 1

Honda Racing F1 Team

Australia: 15th

Malaysia: 12th

Bahrain: Not classified, retired

Spain: 12th

Monaco: 11th

Canada: Not classified, retired

USA: 12th

France: 8th(1 Point)

Great Britian: 10th

Europe: Not classified, retired

Hungary: Not classified, retired

Turkey: 13th

Italy: 8th(1 Point)

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Japan: 11th(Classified, retired)

China: 5th(4 Points)

Brazilia: Not classified, retired

6 Points

15th

Teammate: Rubens Barrichello(Brasilian) 20th

 

In 2008, Button had his far worst season, the car was uncompetitive, he only scored in spain and easily beaten by his teammate Barrichello. Things getting worse, as trough the global economic crisis Honda leaves F1 completly, leaving Button and Barrichello without seats for 2009.

2008: Formula 1

Honda Racing F1 Team

Australia: Not classified, retired

Malaysia: 10th

Bahrain: Not classified, retired

Spain: 6th(3 Points)

Turkey: 11th

Monaco: 11th

Canada: 11th

France: Not classified, retired

Great Britian: Not classified, retired

Germany: 17th

Hungary: 12th

Europe: 13th

Belgia: 15th

Italy: 15th

Singapore: 9th

Japan: 14th

China: 16th

Brazilia: 13th

3 Points

18th

Teammate: Rubens Barrichello(Brasilian) 14th

 

In 2009, Ross Brawn saved Button and Barrichello by buying the Honda Team. And it was the best that could happened to Button. Thanks to a controversial - but legal - diffuser design, Button dominates 6 of the first 7 races, however after the other teams catched up, Button didn't won even 1 race anymore. He still scored enough points to win the Formula 1 championship. Button got several prizes and managed to get a contract with McLaren.

2009: Formula 1

Brawn GP F1 Team

Australia: 1st(10 Points)(VICTORY/POLE-POSITION)

Malaysia: 1st(5 Points trough race ended before reaching 75% of it)(VICTORY/POLE-POSITION/FASTEST LAP)

China: 3rd(6 Points)

Bahrain: 1st(10 Points)(VICTORY)

Spain: 1st(10 Points)(VICTORY)

Monaco: 1st(10 Points)(VICTORY)

Turkey: 1st(10 Points)(VICTORY/FASTEST LAP)

Great Britian: 6th(3 Points)

Germany: 5th(4 Points)

Hungary: 7th(2 Points)

Europe: 7th(2 Points)

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Italy: 2nd(8 Points)

Singapore: 5th(4 Points)

Japan: 8th(1 Point)

Brazilia: 5th(4 Points)

Abu Dhabi: 3rd(6 Points)

95 Points

Champion

Teammate: Rubens Barrichello(Brasilian) 3rd

 

In 2010, Button joined McLaren, who from then on he won't leave anymore. Points also increased, so even 10th get a point. Button started good but aftersome time other cars and his teammate where simply better, not beeing able to defend his championship.

2010: Formula 1

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Bahrain: 7th(6 Points)

Australia: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY)

Malaysia: 8th(4 Points)

China: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY)

Spain: 5th(10 Points)

Monaco: Not classified, retired

Turkey: 2nd(18 Points)

Canada: 2nd(18 Points)

Europe: 3rd(15 Points)(FASTEST LAP)

Great Britian: 4th(12 Points)

Germany: 5th(10 Points)

Hungary: 8th(4 Points)

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Italy: 2nd(18 Points)

Singapore: 4th(12 Points)

Japan: 4th(12 Points)

Korea: 12th

Brazilia: 5th(10 Points)

Abu Dhabi: 3rd(15 Points)

214 Points

5th

Teammate: Lewis Hamilton(Britian) 4th

 

In 2011, Button got back to strength in his second season for McLaren. He won the legendary Canada race, til today still known as the longest race in F1-history, winning his 200th race in Hungary. After many races, Button was pretty much the only driver left, having a realistic chance to beat the unbeatable Vettel. However not even he could beat Vettel, but still got vice-champion

2011: Formula 1

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Australia: 6th(8 Points)

Malaysia: 2nd(18 Points)

China: 4th(12 Points)

Turkey: 6th(8 Points)

Spain: 3rd(15 Points)

Monaco: 3rd(15 Points)

Canada: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY/FASTEST LAP)

Europe: 6th(8 Points)

Great Britian: Not classified, retired

Germany: Not classified, retired

Hungary: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY)

Belgia: 3rd(15 Points)

Italy: 2nd(18 Points)

Singapore: 2nd(18 Points)(FASTEST LAP)

Japan: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY/FASTEST LAP)

Korea: 4th(12 Points)

India: 2nd(18 Points)

Abu Dhabi: 3rd(15 Points)

Brazilia: 3rd(15 Points)

270 Points

Vice-Champion

Teammate: Lewis Hamilton(Britian) 5th

 

In 2012, Button was still strong, but had more trouble again, pretty much leaving 2012 like 2010 as 5th behind his teammate. The Brazilian Race also marks the end of Button's victories. In the following years he won't win any races anymore and soon not even getting podiums anymore.

2012: Formula 1

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Australia: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY/FASTEST LAP)

Malaysia: 14th

China: 2nd(18 Points)

Bahrain: 18th(Classified, retired)

Spain: 9th(2 Points)

Monaco: 16th(Classified, retired)

Canada: 16th

Europe: 8th(4 Points)

Great Britian: 10th(1 Point)

Germany: 2nd(18 Points)

Hungary: 6th(8 Points)

Belgia: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY/POLE-POSITION)

Italy: Not classified, retired

Singapore: 2nd(18 Points)

Japan: 4th(12 Points)

Korea: Not classified, retired

India: 5th(10 Points)(FASTEST LAP)

Abu Dhabi: 4th(12 Points)

USA: 5th(10 Points)

Brazilia: 1st(25 Points)(VICTORY)

188 Points

5th

Teammate: Lewis Hamilton(Britian) 4th

 

In 2013, Button announces, that he stays with the team until he retires. With his new teammate Perez, the two came sometimes too close, causing Button to leave a rather negative comment about him. McLaren seems also to lose to the other top teams, Button managing only a 4th place.

2013: Formula 1

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Australia: 9th(2 Points)

Malaysia: 17th(Classified, retired)

China: 5th(10 Points)

Bahrain: 10th(1 Point)

Spain: 8th(4 Points)

Monaco: 6th(8 Points)

Canada: 12th

Great Britian: 13th

Germany: 6th(8 Points)

Hungary: 7th(6 Points)

Belgia: 6th(8 Points)

Italy: 10th(1 Point)

Singapore: 7th(6 Points)

Korea: 8th(4 Points)

Japan: 9th(2 Points)

India: 14th

Abu Dhabi: 12th

USA: 10th(1 Point)

Brazilia: 4th(12 Points)

73 Points

9th

Teammate: Sergio Perez(Mexican) 11th

 

In 2014, Button gets already a newteammate, Magnussen. A rule change occured, making drivers possible choosing there driving number. Button choosed 22, caused that was his 2009 number, in hope for luck, but it helped only making this year slightly better then 2013. Australia, Button reached 4th, after the disqualification of Ricciardo 3rd. The rest of this season went bit better then last year. It was however unclear if Button or Magnussen becomes Alonso's new teammate with Project Honda for 2015.

2014: Formula 1

McLaren Mercedes

Australia: 3rd(15 Points)

Malaysia: 6th(8 Points)

Bahrain: 17th(Classified, retired)

China: 11th

Spain: 11th

Monaco: 6th(8 Points)

Canada: 4th(12 Points)

Austria: 11th

Great Britian: 4th(12 Points)

Germany: 8th(4 Points)

Hungary: 10th(1 Point)

Belgia: 6th(8 Points)

Italy: 8th(4 Points)

Singapore: Not classified, retired

Japan: 5th(10 Points)

Russia: 4th(12 Points)

USA: 12th

Brazilia: 4th(12 Points)

Abu Dhabi: 5th(10 Points)

126 Points

8th

Teammate: Kevin Magnussen(Danish) 11th

 

In 2015, McLaren partners up with Honda. Everyone knew the first year will be a catastrophe andthey where right. Button only got few points, needing 6 races to get his first points. Button at least manages to beat his teammate Alonso.

2015: Formula 1

McLaren Honda

Australia: 11th

Malaysia: Not classified, retired

China: 14th

Bahrain: DNS(Did not started)

Spain: 16th

Monaco: 8th(4 Points)

Canada: Not classified, retired

Austria: Not classified, retired

Great Britian: Not classified, retired

Hungary: 9th(2 Points)

Belgia: 14th

Italy: 14th

Singapore: Not classified, retired

Japan: 16th

Russia: 9th(2 Points)

USA: 6th(8 Points)

Mexico: 14th

Brazilia: 14th

Abu Dhabi: 12th

16 Points

16th

Teammate: Kevin Magnussen(Danish) 22nd/Fernando Alonso(Spanish) 17th

 

In 2016, Button keeps again driving. The car was still bad, the only positive thing this year getting a position and few points better then 2015. However Alonso clearly got better and beated Button. Around mid-season Button then announces still helping the team, but not driving for 2017 anymore...

2016: Formula 1

McLaren Honda

Australia: 14th

Bahrain: Not classified, retired

China: 13th

Russia: 10th(1 Point)

Spain: 9th(2 Points)

Monaco: 9th(2 Points)

Canada: Not classified, retired

Europe: 11th

Austria: 6th(8 Points)

Great Britian: 12th

Hungary: Not classified, retired

Germany: 8th(4 Points)

Belgia: Not classified, retired

Italy: 12th

Singapore: Not classified, retired

Malaysia: 9th(2 Points)

Japan: 18th

USA: 9th(2 Points)

Mexico: 12th

Brazilia: 16th

Abu Dhabi: Not classified, retired

21 Points

15th

Teammate: Stoffel Vandoorne(Belgian) 20th/Fernando Alonso(Spanish) 10th

 

In 2017, Button returns for the Monaco race, because of Alonso driving by the Indy 500. Unfortunalty, Button crashed with Wehrlein, making his possible only return another retirement. The season is still going tough.

2017: Formula 1

McLaren Honda

Monaco: Not classified, retired

0 Points

22nd

Teammate: Stoffel Vandoorne(Belgian) 21st/Fernando Alonso(Spanish) 19th

 

 

Yeah, Button hasn't it always easy and with the current state of McLaren and him drove 17 years, it is understandable that he ended his career. It still hard for me tough...

Button's first victory:

Button becoming World Champion in 2009:

Button winning the longest F1 Race Ever:

Button's last victory:

Button not finishing his last race:

Jenson Alexander Lyons Button

37 years old

Britian

Driving number 22

First Race: Australia 2000

Last Race: Abu Dhabi 2016(Monaco 2017)

Teams:

-Williams

-Benetton

-Renault

-BAR

-Honda

-Brawn GP

-McLaren

World Champion 2009

Vice-Champion 2011

306 Races

15 Victories

8 Poles

8 Fastest Laps

1235 Points

50 Podiums

Leading 763 laps