F1 Champion Jenson Button Announces Retirement from Racing

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, is set to retire from professional motorsport after the WEC season finale in Bahrain this November. The British driver cited his desire to spend more time with his young family as the primary reason for stepping away from competitive racing.

Why it matters:

Button's departure marks the end of an era for one of motorsport's most respected figures. His decision highlights the personal sacrifices demanded by a top-tier racing career, even for a seasoned veteran. For fans, it's a moment to reflect on a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades in F1 and continued across various other prestigious racing series.

The Details:

• Final Race: Button's last competitive outing will be at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) season finale in Bahrain, a circuit he's always enjoyed.
• Reason for Retirement: The 45-year-old explained to the BBC that his life has become "far too hectic." With children aged four and six, he feels it's unfair to his family and his team to commit to a 2026 season given the amount of time racing takes him away from home.
• Current Role: Since 2024, Button has been competing in the Hypercar class of the WEC for the British team Jota, alongside Earl Bamber and Sébastien Bourdais. His plan to exit the series at the end of 2025 was already known, but this announcement confirms his complete retirement from active racing.

The Big Picture:

Jenson Button's career is defined by consistency, adaptability, and a crowning achievement in 2009. His journey in Formula 1 began in 2000, where he competed in 306 Grands Prix, securing 15 victories. His most famous moment was clinching the 2009 F1 World Championship with the underdog Brawn GP team, a feat often hailed as one of the sport's greatest Cinderella stories.

After his full-time F1 departure in 2016 (with a final appearance in Monaco 2017), Button continued to race in diverse series including DTM, Super GT in Japan, Extreme E, NASCAR, and IMSA, showcasing his enduring passion for motorsport.

What's next:

While Button is stepping away from the cockpit, he won't be entirely absent from the F1 world. He will continue his role as an expert commentator for Sky Sports F1 and maintain his advisory position at Williams, which he has held since 2021. This allows him to stay connected to the sport he loves while prioritizing his family life, a decision many will understand and respect.