Button and Brawn are honored at the Autosport Awards

A few days late, the new Formula 1 world champions Jenson Button in the drivers’ championship and the Brawn GP team in the constructors’ championship were honored at the prestigious 2009 Autosport Awards in London. For the second consecutive year, the world champion is British. After Lewis Hamilton, Button received the British Driver of the Year and International Racing Driver of the Year awards.

« It was a long struggle to get here. Over my last 10 years in Formula 1, especially last year, we went through a lot, » said Button, who received his award from legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker and comedic actor James Corden. « It was a very tough winter for Brawn and everyone at Honda. »

« It’s been a year since we learned that Honda was leaving the sport. Coming here last year was quite difficult. A big thank you to the entire Brawn team for what they have accomplished. »

The car that enabled Button to win the title and secure eight victories during the 2009 season, the BGP001, was also named the racing car of the year.

« It was a difficult year for all of us, but the team showed incredible resilience to achieve what we did, » said Ross Brawn. « The great advantage of this team is that we have proven we can be world champions. Now, we know how to win again. »

Former McLaren team principal Ron Dennis, now executive chairman of McLaren Automotive, has been honored for his lifetime achievements. Hopeful Dean Smith, 21, won an F1 test drive with McLaren by beating five other finalists for the highly coveted McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Red Bull Racing’s technical director, Adrian Newey, was also recognized for his design achievements after his RB5 won six Grand Prix in 2009.