10 Reasons We'll Be Celebrating Jenson Button's 250th Grand Prix

Image source: McLaren Mercedes

At this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Jenson Button will line up on the grid to start the 250th race of his career. To mark the occasion, we've gathered together 10 of his best moments.

1. We are the champions!

The 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix was undoubtedly the most importance race of his career. He started in a miserable 14th but had fifth place – the result he needed to take the world championship – in his sights.

It really was a champion’s drive, pulling off some incredible overtakes to cross the line just inside the top five. He secured the 2009 title, becoming the 10th Brit to do so, and showcased his spectacular lack of singing talent with a now famous rendition of "we are the champions" by Queen.

2. Fairytale start

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The start of the 2009 season was undoubtedly a rollercoaster ride for Button. Following Honda’s departure at the end of the previous year he was left with no drive at all. But after Ross Brawn led a management buyout of the team to create Brawn GP, Button was able to dominate the first race of the year and register his second F1 win.

It was an incredible turnaround and was undoubtedly helped by the early superiority of the Brawn GP car, but he put in a faultless drive at the season opener and avoided the chaos to cross the line eight tenths clear of his team-mate. His lead would have been considerably larger had it not been for a number of safety car periods.

3. One-handed

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Button started the 2004 German Grand Prix in 14th place after he was handed a 10-place grid penalty for an engine change. He managed to battle through the field and went on to register his seventh podium of the season.

Even more impressive, however, was the fact that he completed part of the race driving with one hand - as you do - after his helmet strap loosened, meaning he had to pull it down on the straights to stop it strangling him.

4. First race win

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It took him quite some time, but at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix JB finally scored his first F1 victory. He was 14th on the grid for his 113th race start after an engine change penalty, but quickly rose to fourth place in wet conditions by lap seven.

He moved up to third after race leader Kimi Raikkonen crashed, and displaced Pedro de la Rosa in the pit stops. He inherited the lead on lap 51 after Fernando Alonso retired when a wheel wasn’t fitted properly in his final pit stop. The Brit crossed the line 30 seconds clear of his nearest rival to at last register his debut win.

5. Last lap

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The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix was officially the longest race ever, and possibly one of the most dramatic in recent F1 history. Button won the race, but only just after taking the lead on the final lap. He started seventh but tangled with Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and had a drive-through penalty.

Following six pit stops, a red flag and a number of safety car periods, he managed to move from 21st to second in the closing stages and powered past Sebastian Vettel when the German made a rare error on the most important lap of all - the last one.

6. Try again

It may not have been a particularly great moment in his career, but it was incredibly hilarious. Jenson accidentally pitted in the wrong box during the 2011 Chinese Grand Prix, visiting the Red Bull mechanics before awkwardly moving on to find his own crew.

7. Out-qualifying Schumi

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Button really made an impression on the F1 community during his rookie season, particularly after qualifying an unexpected third at the challenging Spa circuit – ahead of the likes of Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and his team-mate Ralf Schumacher.

It was a stunning lap, but he couldn’t maintain his position during the race. A collision with Jarno Trulli cost him time and he eventually slipped to fifth by the chequered flag at his first ever Belgian Grand Prix.

8. The ultimate race

This proved to be an incredible spectacle, as Button raced against a superbike and a Formula Four Stroke power boat in a quarter-mile straight-line drag at London City Airport for Fifth Gear. It was best of three, so watch the video to find out who won!

9. Run Jenson, run!

After winning the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix – the most prestigious and glamorous race on the F1 calendar – Button accidentally parked his car in the wrong spot.

With no other option, JB was forced to run down the start/finish straight to collect his trophy, no mean feat considering he had just completed a 71-lap race around one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar in high heat. It ended up being an uplifting moment as he high-fived team members from rival teams and got to wave to the enthusiastic crowd.

10. Awkward adverts

As a high-profile sportsman, Button has starred in a number of adverts for businesses and products. His acting skills may be no match for his talents on the circuit, but they are hilarious to watch. Here are a few of our favourites: