Jenson Button, famed for his remarkable journey in motorsport, recently shared memorable moments and key figures that shaped his racing career, culminating during the World Endurance Championship event in Bahrain. Speaking with the press, Button highlighted the pivotal achievements and vehicles that defined his legacy, making his Jenson Button career highlights an inspiring record in racing history.
A Glance at Jenson Button’s Racing Journey
Spanning nearly thirty years, Jenson Button’s career encompassed diverse championships including Formula Ford, Formula 1, Super GT, and ventures in endurance racing, NASCAR, Extreme E, and rallycross. Despite periods of uncertainty—especially with team transitions and doubts during Honda’s turbulent times in Formula 1—Button persevered through the challenges. His breakthrough came with the triumphant 2009 season at Brawn GP, heralding his status as one of Britain’s most successful drivers.
Reflecting as his professional career closed at the WEC season finale in Bahrain, Button looked back on these formative experiences and the defining achievements that propelled him to global prominence. His journey was marked by resilience, from fears of an untimely F1 exit to the euphoria of championship victory.
Most Memorable Moments in a Racing Career
When asked about his proudest milestones, Jenson Button cited standout achievements across several racing categories. He recalled:
“Winning the Formula Super A European Championship in karting,”
— Jenson Button
He also shared the excitement of meeting legendary team boss Frank Williams, describing how earning his first F1 seat for Williams in 2000 was a dream come true. Button’s first podium in 2004 at Sepang and his inaugural race victory in 2006 at the Hungarian Grand Prix were personal highlights, topped by his world championship success in 2009 with Brawn GP.
Button’s triumph in the Japanese Super GT championship in 2018 stood out among his achievements, emphasizing the universal rush of victory regardless of the racing series. He reflected:
“But then also winning the Super GT championship in 2018. It doesn’t matter what championship it is, when you win, the emotion and the adrenaline is still the same. So that was pretty special.”
— Jenson Button
Defining Episodes in the World Endurance Championship
Button’s relationship with endurance racing began with his entry into the World Endurance Championship in 2018, driving for SMP Racing. After stepping away from the series to focus on Super GT and his family, he returned in 2024 with Team Jota, piloting both a Porsche 963 and, later, a factory Cadillac V-Series.R. While he never claimed a WEC overall victory, Button achieved podium finishes with both SMP and Jota.
One unique highlight was his participation in the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours behind the wheel of a NASCAR-based Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a showcase Garage 56 entry, racing alongside distinguished drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller.
Button detailed the moments that stood out most from his endurance career:
“Two moments that really stand out [for me in the WEC],”
— Jenson Button
He cherished the team’s achievement in Brazil, celebrating a 1-2 finish for Cadillac and Jota, recalling the exceptional team spirit during a fiercely contested championship. Speaking of the innovative Garage 56 Le Mans project, Button described it as an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience:
“The other special moment in WEC would actually not be with Jota. It would be the Garage 56 car. Just because it’s something that no one else got to do. It was such a cool project, and something that probably won’t ever happen again.”
— Jenson Button
F1 Cars That Left a Lasting Impression
Debuting in Formula 1 with Williams in 2000, Button’s early years saw him racing for Benetton (which became Renault) before a pivotal stint with BAR-Honda in 2003. The following year, he claimed ten podiums out of eighteen races, setting the stage for his eventual victory at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix. The dramatic rescue of his team by Ross Brawn in 2009 led to Button seizing the drivers’ championship for Brawn GP, amid changing F1 regulations and financial uncertainties.
Post-championship, he joined McLaren, forging a partnership with Lewis Hamilton. This phase brought eight additional race wins and a runner-up finish to Sebastian Vettel in 2011, with Button ultimately amassing fifteen career Formula 1 victories. Although he retired from F1 in 2016, Button reappeared for a one-off race in Monaco in 2017, substituting for Fernando Alonso.
Asked about his favorite machinery, Button singled out a handful of influential Formula 1 cars. He offered this assessment:
“The best car for me was the 2011 McLaren [MP4-26]. I would say it was the best car I ever drove in F1,”
— Jenson Button
Button also praised the 2004 BAR-Honda for its handling, attributing much of its appeal to the flexible rear wing and powerful V10 engine, despite its inability to match Ferrari’s speed. He acknowledged the significance of the Brawn BGP 001—while not the quickest in the field, it remains the car most synonymous with his championship legacy.
Notably, Button expressed fondness for his very first Formula 1 car, the Williams FW22, cherishing its driveability and his recent opportunity to pilot it again at Silverstone:
“Also, my first-ever F1 car was pretty special, the FW22. It did nothing wrong. It was just so nice to drive, like a big go-kart. And I actually got to drive that car last year at Silverstone, which was great.”
— Jenson Button
The Broader Legacy of Button’s Career
Jenson Button’s racing odyssey represents more than a collection of titles and accolades; it illustrates resilience across multiple disciplines, from debuting with Williams to conquering Formula 1’s greatest prize and pursuing global challenges at Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship. Teammates and competitors alike—such as Lewis Hamilton, Rubens Barrichello, Mike Rockenfeller, and Jimmie Johnson—featured throughout these chapters, highlighting the sport’s camaraderie and competitiveness.
As Button reflects on his storied years, the vehicles, teams, and victories not only define his personal narrative but continue to inspire newcomers in motorsport. His journey through the highs and lows of championship pursuits serves as a compelling testament to adaptability, collaboration, and enduring passion for racing.
With a legacy etched alongside legendary organizations like Williams, Benetton, Renault, BAR-Honda, Brawn GP, Mercedes, Jota, and illustrious events from Sepang to Le Mans, Button’s place in motorsport remains significant. The enduring resonance of his career highlights and personal favorites ensures that Jenson Button’s contributions will be celebrated by fans and fellow racers for generations.
