Jenson Button racing career highlights have marked him as one of the most versatile and passionate figures in motorsport history, with his competitive journey culminating in a reflective farewell after the 8 Hours of Bahrain in November. From his earliest days in karting to iconic moments on global circuits, Button’s career has been filled with milestone achievements, fierce competition, and emotional peaks that celebrate his enduring talent and commitment.
Early Swift Rise: Karting Prodigy to F1 Debut
Button’s ascent began when he claimed the 1991 British Cadet Karting Championship, already exhibiting a determination that set him apart. By 1997, he secured the European Super A Championship, building momentum before stepping into single-seaters. He rapidly progressed through British Formula Ford and British Formula 3, debuting in Formula One with Williams before turning 21, quickly drawing attention for his skill and confidence against seasoned drivers.
Memorable Formula 1 Career and Emotional Triumphs
Throughout his prolific F1 tenure, Button forged a legacy marked by resilience and adaptability. Early success arrived fast, as he finished sixth in only his second F1 appearance with Williams. A significant highlight was his first podium for BAR at Sepang in 2003, reinforcing his potential as a future champion. The 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix win at Hungaroring stands out as a defining moment, captured in vivid images of Button’s astonished expression and heartfelt celebrations alongside his father, John. The pinnacle came in 2009, when Button clinched the drivers’ title at Brawn GP, concluding a fairytale season with champagne-splashed jubilation and cementing his place among Formula 1’s elite.
Even under intense scrutiny and F1’s renowned pressure, Button never lost his competitive drive. He continued to compete with McLaren for seven seasons, and in 2011 narrowly missed securing a second championship. His relentless spirit made him stand out; unlike many, Button sought new challenges beyond F1, further enriching his impressive motorsport résumé.
Ventures Beyond F1: Sports Car Racing and Global Stages
After departing Formula 1, Button prioritized fulfilling racing ambitions across other categories starting from 2017. Returning to sportscar endurance, Button’s win in the 2018 Super GT championship with Team Kunimitsu alongside Naoki Yamamoto was a career highlight. The GT500 class featured a competitive roster of specialists deeply familiar with Japanese circuits, making his achievement even more significant.
“When I look at going from F1 to Super GT, it was so different,”
Button reflected, addressing the substantial adjustment required of him—adapting to new cars, the absence of tire warmers, and shared driving responsibilities. He recounted a warning from Ron Dennis about the compromises required for Le Mans, revealing his meticulous approach to racing and unwillingness to settle for less than perfection.
“But Super GT was a great time in my life, working with Honda again, in Japan. And it kind of meant more to them winning there than it did in F1. Then I jumped into Le Mans with SMP Racing in 2018.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
Endurance Challenges and LMP1 Offers
Button’s endurance credentials expanded when he raced for SMP Racing at Le Mans in 2018, facing a particularly tough campaign with the BR01. Although the car’s reliability issues made the season difficult, he still managed a podium at the 6 Hours of Shanghai with teammates Vitaly Petrov and Mikhail Aleshin. Button’s endurance journey could have begun earlier, as he came close to joining Nissan’s GT-R LM NISMO project and fielded offers from Peugeot and Toyota, ultimately opting to remain in F1 during its competitive era.
“I had a couple of options,”
Button shared about his opportunities.
“Nissan was one of them, and I’m glad I didn’t do it. Best decision I ever made! I had a chance with Peugeot and Toyota over the years, but I decided to stay in F1 for longer. I’m glad I did because the era for endurance racing is right now. The competition is proper.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
Global Racing Experiences: NASCAR, Rallycross, and Garage 56
Button’s quest for variety saw him try his hand at NASCAR, Baja, Rallycross, and, most recently, the Garage 56 experience at the 2023 Le Mans centenary. His week in France, sharing a Camaro ZL1 with Mike Rockenfeller and Jimmie Johnson, attracted significant attention as the trio completed 285 laps in a memorable showing. The experience rekindled his affinity with Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
“I originally did WEC because I wanted to race with a manufacturer, but there weren’t any at the time aside from Toyota. So I did NASCAR, Baja, Rallycross, through Covid, actually nothing, then the Garage 56 experience in 2023.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
Current Prototype Racing: Adapting to New Eras
Button remained active in the evolving world of prototypes, joining Hertz Team JOTA initially with Porsche and later as part of Cadillac’s factory effort in 2024. He participated in high-profile events including the Rolex 24 with Wayne Taylor Racing, driving the Acura ARX-06, and at Petit Le Mans with JDC-Miller Motorsports. These opportunities allowed Button to race three LMDh models—an accomplishment few can claim.
“I didn’t realise how complex these cars were going to be,”
Button admitted of the technical demands.
“I want to fine-tune a car, but the number of systems you have here in Hypercar is mind-boggling. It’s taken me a while to get used to it all, and changing cars between seasons from Porsche to Cadillac is hard to do when you’re in your 40s.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
“I’ve loved the last two years, though, working with a passionate team and different drivers. We’ve done a great job, and to finish 1-2 in Brazil against this competition was insane.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
Iconic Moments Captured Over the Years
Button’s journey is filled with unforgettable moments, from his Spa 24 Hours debut in 1999 with BMW FINA Team Rafanelli—despite an early retirement—to launching his Super GT career with Team Mugen in 2017. He ventured into the Blancpain GT scene in 2019 with Honda, and made a one-off British GT appearance at Silverstone in 2020. The 2018 Super GT championship with Naoki Yamamoto stands out, as does his podium in the 2018 6 Hours of Shanghai, his remarkable 2023 Garage 56 entry at Le Mans, and a strong run with Wayne Taylor Racing in the 2024 Rolex 24. Finishing second in a landmark 1-2 for JOTA’s Cadillac in São Paulo and capping his full-time racing with the WEC Legacy Award in Bahrain emphasized his storied career’s breadth.
What Lies Ahead: Reflecting On a Storied Racing Life
The future for Button remains open, with his extraordinary versatility and enthusiasm still evident. He has left the door ajar for select outings, pondering guest appearances as time allows. He acknowledged balancing the demands of racing with family life and hinted at a slower pace for the next phase.
“I might do a race here and there,”
Button revealed.
“I have unfinished business in NASCAR, for instance, but it won’t be a full championship with me being paid. My life is just so busy, and I miss a lot because I have so much time away from family.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
“I need to focus on a few different things so next year I’ll do a bit of racing, some historics maybe, just a lot less.”
– Jenson Button, Driver
Jenson Button’s journey through karting, Formula One, and world-class endurance competitions has demonstrated true dedication and adaptability. His racing career highlights will be remembered for their breadth and emotion, and his presence in the sportscar paddock will be missed. Yet, as Button contemplates future opportunities, his legacy continues to inspire fellow drivers and motorsport fans worldwide.
