Button bowing out in Abu Dhabi

2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has confirmed that the race in Abu Dhabi on Sunday is set to be the 305th and last Grand Prix of his career.  The 36-year-old Englishman was due to take a 12-month sabbatical from racing with McLaren before returning to the grid for the 2018 Formula 1 season, however Button says that that is not likely to happen.

At this moment in time I don’t want to be racing in F1 beyond this year.

Jenson Button

That means bringing down the curtain on his F1 career at Yas Marina this weekend, with Button having begun in the sport way back in 2000 with the Williams team and claimed 15 career victories.

And Button, who has endured tough times with McLaren in recent times, is content that he is making the right decision at the right time.

He told reporters: “I go into this weekend thinking it’s going to be my last race, I think that’s the best way. I don’t want to go into this race thinking it’s not my last race and it is.

“It is going to be my last race – at this moment in time I don’t want to be racing in F1 beyond this year. It is true that I have a contract in 2018, but at this moment in time I am not going to be racing in 2018.

“You get to Formula 1 with many dreams and, hopefully, you leave the sport with memories – some amazing memories, some life-changing, some good, some bad. And also to walk away with the world championship is very special too.

“Over 300 Grands Prix and I will definitely step away from F1 happy with what I’ve achieved.”

Button is available at 6/5 to bow out of Formula 1 with a points finish in Abu Dhabi, with his McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso priced at 4/6.

Source: bet365.com