The dream for Jenson Button began before he was ten. The young British driver's debut of note at the 1991 Cadet Kart Championship saw him winning all the races - and the title, too. He contested the British Open Kart championship before moving towards the European Super Championships – beginning his career as a top-level driver.

In 1998 he won the British Formula Ford title. The next two years he established himself as a driver for the future, competing in the Formula Ford Festival, the British Formula Three championship, and various other Grand Prix and Super Prix. He was a consistent figure on the podium during this time.

In 2000, he had just completed a test drive at Silverstone with Mercedes, a prize for his previous year’s competitions, when he attracted the attention of Frank Williams, and won a contentious seat with the Williams team. He finished a credible eighth in his first season as a driver in the world’s top racing league – but made numerous rookie mistakes including crashing when under Safety Car conditions.

'Button's reputation has been criticised by many, including Nigel Mansell. Others have stated that he still clings to the playboy image, and concentrates more on partying and dating socialites than his racing career'


Button played second fiddle to Ralf Schumacher and he almost had his first podium in 2002 in Malaysia but was overtaken by the then F1 dominator, Michael Schumacher.

Contract controversy caused huge issues for Button, and he was replaced by Fernando Alonso. There was outcry at the time, but Renault principal Flavio Briatore’s bold move proved to be a beneficial one, with Alonso now a double World Champion. The move in 2003 to BAR proved beneficial, as Button finished fourth in Austria, and began to challenge in races, even managing to lead laps during the season.

The following year was unfortunately the pinnacle of Button's career. BAR Honda finished second in the constructors' championship, and Jenson scored his first podium. He and the team finished runners-up to Ferrari, who were all conquering that season.

2005 revealed more contractual irregularities, with reported signing with Williams crossing his issues with BAR. The team was banned for two races for fuel abnormalities. Despite a shocking start to the season, he placed second on the grid at his home race at Silverstone – but could not finish higher than fifth. 

In 2006 BAR became Honda as a full racing team entity – Button had a up-and-down season, but recorded his first and to date only win of his F1 career, taking the Hungarian Grand Prix. But he finished the season well, placing at least in the top five of the last seven races of the season.

Last year was quite possibly Buttons worst season; he suffered six retirements and had only three top ten finishes. He finished 15th in the season and described his car as a “dog”.

Button is no longer the premier British driver, with Lewis Hamilton now the darling of British motorsport. His reputation has been criticised by many, including Nigel Mansell. Others have stated that he still clings to the playboy image, and concentrates more on partying and dating socialites than his racing career.

This season has seen much of the same, with the new RA108 chassis testing in 2008 showing enough promise to give boss Ross Braun much to look forward too. He placed sixth in the recent Spanish Grand Prix, but despite working with top advisors, he is far down the pecking order of racing drivers.

It would take a miracle for him to break the dominance of drivers racing for Mercedes, Ferrari and BMW.  He may make a comeback, but the dream of being the world’s best is a long way away – and a distant dream.