Jenson Button has officially announced his retirement from the world of motorsport. The former world champion of 2009 will participate in his final race at the Eight Hours of Bahrain in early November before bidding adieu to his racing career.
After concluding his Formula 1 journey in 2016 and making a brief return for a one-off appearance at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix with McLaren, Button has ventured into various racing categories, such as the NASCAR Cup Series and the World Endurance Championship.
The 45-year-old driver, who currently serves as a pundit on Sky Sports F1, disclosed earlier this year that he would be stepping away from full-time racing and departing from his role with Jota Cadillac. He has now confirmed that he is ready to hang up his racing boots for good.
“This will mark my final race. Bahrain has always been a favorite track of mine, and I intend to savor every moment of it as it signifies the conclusion of my professional racing career,” Button shared with BBC Radio Somerset.
Expressing his reasons for retiring, Button mentioned, “My life has become extremely hectic, and it wouldn’t be fair to the team or to myself to commit to another season in 2026. With young kids aged four and six, being away for extended periods is challenging, and I don’t want to miss out on this precious time with them any longer.”
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Despite facing initial setbacks in Qatar and Imola, Button and his teammates, Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais, made strong comebacks with notable performances at Spa and Le Mans, culminating in a podium finish in Sao Paulo. As they gear up for the final round in Bahrain, Button’s team is determined to challenge Porsche in the American Manufacturers’ Championship, trailing by 22 points.
“We are still in the running for the Constructors’ Championship. Securing a win is a tough task, but second place is within our reach,” Button remarked following his retirement announcement. “There is much anticipation for the upcoming race in Bahrain, especially since it marks the end of my professional racing career.”