Jenson Button at Abu Dhabi:« I don’t think I’ll be racing in Formula 1 beyond this race »
The McLaren clan has yet to make it official, but more than ever, Jenson Button's latest statements indicate that retirement is just around the corner...
This final weekend of 2016 in the premier discipline is packed with significant moments. Among them is Jenson Button and his 305th start in Formula 1. But more than this impressive figure, which makes him the third most experienced driver of all time (behind Rubens Barrichello: 322 starts; and Michael Schumacher: 306); this race truly seems like his personal curtain call.
At this moment, I don’t think I’ll be racing in Formula 1 beyond this race.
We all knew it since the Monza race: the British veteran will give up his spot to Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne for the 2017 season. However, his contract still includes a clause for the 2018 edition, in the event—among others—of Fernando Alonso’s departure, or a health issue affecting one of the two drivers competing next year.
« It’s true that I have a contract for 2018, but at this precise moment, I am not in the mindset to drive in 2018. The essential point of this contract was that I could change my mind over these last three months. »
But the 2009 world champion is getting closer and closer to turning towards his new role as an ambassador for McLaren. This will also include, nonetheless, extensive work in the simulator and an active presence at a minimum of four Grand Prix events. Before the journalists, the elegant Brit had already begun reminiscing:
« I raced for two teams I dreamed of when I was a child: Williams and McLaren. Many fantastic memories…
I’ve been competing since I was eight years old. It’s been a long and beautiful journey. When you enter this field, you aspire to be in Formula 1 and to be someone. And of course, to leave this sport with memories…
It is therefore a question of being cautious, but the time for retirement seems to have come for Jenson Button: to hang up his gloves after the race on Sunday; and to turn towards a new personal chapter.
It is worth noting that the former Brawn Grand Prix driver began his Formula 1 career… in 2000. 16 years marked by the trifling numbers of 15 victories, 8 pole positions, and 50 podiums.
« I will truly leave Formula 1 as a happy man, particularly with everything I have been able to accomplish. »
And as he himself had stated a few days earlier in an official interview published on the Formula 1 website:
« This is not the end of something; it’s a new beginning! »
“I’m immensely proud of everything I’ve achieved in the past 17 seasons” @JensonButton 💪#F1Finale #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/15GHDeRPVg
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) 21 novembre 2016
