Jenson Button’s Father, John, Dead At 70 From Heart Attack
Jenson Button’s father was found dead after suffering a massive heart attack on Sunday. Jenson Button is a world champion Formula One star who always had his father, John, by his side. John Button was 70 years old when he passed away in his French Riviera home.
The British McLaren driver Jenson Button could often be seen celebrating after victories with his father. John Button was a stabilizing force in the young driver’s life. One of the most important moments of Jenson’s life, winning the 2009 Formula One Championship, ended with an embrace from his father. McLaren’s team principal owner, Martin Whitmarsh, released a statement praising the life of John Button.
“In my long Formula One career, I’ve encountered many drivers’ fathers, but I think it’s safe to say that John was perhaps more devoted to his son than any of them. Ever since Jenson was a boy, racing go-karts, his dad has been at his side, helping him, supporting him, finding the money for the next race. As Jenson grew older, and continued to win in cars, still John was always there, his most steadfast helper and supporter.”
Jenson Button began racing at the age of eight, starting with go karts and eventually moving into cars. His father was a supporter and coach every step of the way. He was well loved throughout the entire Formula One community and will be missed by many.
Gonna miss seeing John Button in that lucky pink shirt in interviews on the #F1.
— Sir Lee Ha (@MagpieLee) January 13, 2014
Remember when I was watching 2009 F1 season live on the telly, John Button was very supportive towards his son Jenson. :’)
— Sarah Sahadin (@SarahSahadinCBB) January 13, 2014
Jenson Button’s father – John Button – has passed away after suffering a heart attack. Awful news. R.I.P John ?
— Cat & F1 Mad Garry T (@f1_garry) January 13, 2014
Just to prove how much of a legend John Button was, we often had the John Button Appreciation Society #JBAS down the pub for Grands Prix.
— F1 in Pubs (@F1inPubs) January 13, 2014
Very sad news about @JensonButton dad John. Great support. Great company. Always had life in perspective, always ready to chat, big #f1 fan
— Jonathan Legard (@legardj) January 13, 2014
