Jenson Button has officially announced his retirement from competitive racing. The former world champion will make his final appearance at the Eight Hours of Bahrain in early November before bidding farewell to his racing career.
After concluding his Formula 1 journey in 2016 and a brief return for the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, Button has since competed in various racing series including NASCAR Cup Series and World Endurance Championship.
The 45-year-old, who currently serves as a pundit on Sky Sports F1, had earlier indicated his decision to step back from full-time racing and leave his role with Jota Cadillac. He has now confirmed that he will be retiring from professional racing after the upcoming event in Bahrain.
“This will mark my last race. Bahrain has always been a favorite track of mine, and I intend to savor every moment as it signifies the end of my racing career,” Button shared in an interview with BBC Radio Somerset.
Acknowledging the demands of his busy life and the importance of spending time with his young children, Button expressed his decision to prioritize family over the rigors of professional racing, stating, “I feel like I’ve missed a lot in the last couple of years, and I’m not willing to sacrifice more time away from my family for another season.”
In other news, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle by adding HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, in addition to offering 135 channels and comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 races.
Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, Button’s team showcased strong performances at Spa and Le Mans, culminating in a podium finish in Sao Paulo. Heading into the final round in Bahrain, Button, along with teammates Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais, are determined to push Cadillac in the American Manufacturers’ Championship battle against Porsche, trailing by 22 points.
“We are still in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. While winning is a tough challenge, securing second place is within our reach,” Button remarked, looking ahead to the upcoming race in Bahrain as he prepares to conclude his illustrious racing career.