Remembering Jenson Button's Unforgettable 2011 Canadian Grand Prix Victory

Jenson Button's career, highlighted by his 2009 F1 World Championship, is being celebrated as he approaches his final professional race. Among his many achievements, his victory at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix stands out as arguably his finest drive, a true modern F1 classic.

Why it matters:

Jenson Button's 2011 Canadian GP win wasn't just another victory; it was a testament to his unique skill set, particularly his prowess in unpredictable conditions. This race, often cited as one of the greatest F1 races of all time, perfectly encapsulates Button's ability to remain calm under pressure, manage tricky situations, and deliver extraordinary results from seemingly impossible positions. It solidified his reputation as a master of wet-to-dry transitions and demonstrated his championship mettle beyond his Brawn GP success.

The Details:

• Longest Race in F1 History: The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix remains the longest Formula 1 race ever, lasting over four hours due to a significant rain delay.
• Early Incidents: Button started the race in wet conditions. Early on, he made contact with his McLaren teammate, Lewis Hamilton, leading to Hamilton's retirement and Button receiving a drive-through penalty.
• Falling to the Back: Following the penalty and multiple pit stops, Button found himself at the very back of the field, well past the halfway point of the race.
• Strategic Pit Stops: Button made a record six pit stops during the race, a record for a race winner. His final pit stop on lap 52, for slick tires, proved crucial as the track dried.
• Charge Through the Field: Rejoining in 10th place, 48 seconds behind leader Sebastian Vettel, Button began a relentless charge. He rapidly climbed through the field, passing drivers like Mark Webber and Michael Schumacher.
• Last-Lap Drama: On the final lap, Button, now in second place, was just 0.6 seconds behind Vettel. Vettel, under immense pressure, made a critical error at Turn 6, dipping two wheels onto a wet patch, causing a half-spin. Button seized the opportunity, taking the lead for the first and only time in the entire race.

The Big Picture:

Button's win in Montreal wasn't an isolated incident; it was a demonstration of his consistent ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing conditions. Throughout his three seasons as Lewis Hamilton's teammate at McLaren (2010-2012), Button actually outscored Hamilton by 15 points, a remarkable feat that often gets overlooked. This highlights his consistent top-tier performance against one of the sport's greatest drivers. The Canadian GP victory served as a definitive example of why he was a World Champion, showcasing his strategic mind and exceptional racecraft.

What's next:

As Jenson Button steps back from full-time professional racing after the 8 Hours of Bahrain, his legacy is secure. He will continue to be involved in motorsport through punditry and occasional appearances in classic car events, but his focus will shift to spending more time with his young family. While his full-time racing career concludes, his iconic drives, particularly the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, will forever be etched into Formula 1 history, serving as an inspiration for future generations of drivers.