Jenson Button is returning to the Williams F1 team with which he made his Formula One debut as a senior advisor, and the 2009 world champion is thrilled to be returning to the Formula 1 world after finishing his F1 driving career in 2017.
Button became a senior team adviser 21 years after signing for Williams at the age of 20, and signed a multi-year contract with the Grove team.
The Briton made his Formula One debut at the 2000 Australian Grand Prix with Ralf Schmacher as his team-mate, and his best result in his first season was fourth place at the German Grand Prix behind winner Barrichello and two McLaren drivers Hakkinen and Coulthard.
Button moved to Benetton in 2001, which became Renault in 2002, in 2003 he moved to BAR Honda and in 2006 he achieved his first victory in Formula 1 at the Hungarian GP with Honda factory team.
Button reached the peak of his career in 2009 when he celebrated in six of the first seven races on his way to the title in Brawn GP while in 2010 he joined McLaren where he ended his career at the end of 2016 with a last appearance at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix where he jumped in to replace Alonso.
As part of his role at Williams, Jenson will be able to call upon his over 30 years of motorsport experience to provide advice and guidance to the team at Grove, along with helping support and develop both race and academy drivers.
Throughout the 2021 season, he will attend a number of Grands Prix with Williams alongside taking part in some team events in the UK. Jenson will also support Williams’ media and marketing activities when required throughout the season. Jenson will also be continuing his media duties as expert analyst with Sky Sports F1 this season, alongside his new role with the team.
Speaking about the announcement, Jenson Button said: “I am so delighted to once again be able to say that I’ve signed for Williams. Back when I was 19 it was a moment that changed my life and, despite the fact it was over 20 years ago, I already feel like I never really left.”
“Sir Frank Williams showed faith in me which I will be eternally grateful for and I am incredibly excited to have the chance to come back and help the team as it strives once more for success. There’s a lot of hard work to be done but I have no doubt the future is incredibly bright for this fantastic team and I can’t wait to get started.”
Jost Capito incoming CEO, Williams Racing, concluded: “Bringing Jenson back on board is another positive step to help us move forward as a team both on and off track. Jenson has always been a friend of the team and so it is great to welcome him back into the Williams family.”
“Back in 2000, Sir Frank saw the promising talent Jenson had as a driver and gave him his first opportunity in F1. He more than fulfilled that initial promise throughout a glittering career that culminated in world championship glory.”
“More recently, he has shown his acumen in both the business and broadcasting worlds and remains a widely respected figure in the paddock. All this experience will add another layer to our transformation both technically and as a business. I know everyone at Grove has huge respect for him and we’re delighted to start working with him.”
They grow up so fast, don’t they!
24th Jan, 2000: @JensonButton confirmed as an @F1 driver for Williams ?
22nd Jan, 2021: Rejoins the team as Senior Advisor ? pic.twitter.com/vAYL5qYdEQ
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) January 22, 2021
