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21 years after first signing
with the team as a little-known 20-year-old, Williams Racing is delighted to
welcome back 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button to Grove, this
time in the capacity of Senior Advisor in a multi-year agreement.
Jenson was given his big Formula One break by Sir Frank Williams, a race
seat for the 2000 season alongside
Ralf Schumacher, and impressed with multiple points scoring finishes and a
best finish of fourth place at the
German Grand Prix. He subsequently moved on to drive for the likes of
Benetton/Renault, BAR, Honda,
McLaren, and Brawn where he claimed the world title. Having won 15 Grands
Prix, secured 50 podium finishes
throughout his F1 career, and having expanded into team ownership and
broadcasting more recently, Jenson
brings a vast wealth of experience with him which is applicable both on and
off the track.
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.” |
