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BUTTON UP

F1 champion Jenson Button on regrets, lockdown and winning Le Mans

JENSON Button MBE, 41, is a British racing driver and F1 World Champion.

He talks to Fabulous about what scares him, his worst habit and who the love of his life is.

F1 World Champion Jenson Button
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F1 World Champion Jenson ButtonCredit: Robert Wilson

What scares you?

Sharks – especially their teeth!

What’s your favourite word?

Awesome.

And your worst habit?

I get stressed about small things. 

Who or what is the love of your life?

My fiancée [Playboy model Brittny Ward, 30].

The love of Jenson Button's life is fiancée Brittny Ward
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The love of Jenson Button's life is fiancée Brittny WardCredit: Instagram

Who would you invite to a dinner party?

My mum Simone – I haven’t seen her for almost a year because of Covid.

What’s your experience of grief?

My dad [John, 70] passed away in 2014. It hit me hard because he was always there for my racing career – he didn’t miss a race. 

Who or what makes you laugh most?

When my son [Hendrix, 18 months] laughs. It’s adorable. 

What makes you angry?

When I do simulator racing and 16-year-old kids kick my arse.

Jenson pictured with his partner and son
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Jenson pictured with his partner and sonCredit: Jenson Button

Your all-time favourite movie?

I used to like Cruel Intentions because the guy looked cool and drove a Jaguar.

What was your favourite kids’ TV show?

Thomas The Tank Engine. 

Which possession would you rescue from a burning building?

My dogs Bentley, Storm and Rogue – then my watch, because it was my father’s.

What’s your earliest memory?

When I was four I let the handbrake off my dad’s car and rolled it back into a wall!

The British racing driver wants to win Le Mans
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The British racing driver wants to win Le MansCredit: Reuters

Which public figure do you admire?

I look up to sports people, because I know how hard they’ve worked. I’m a fan of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

What’s your biggest regret?

My only personal regret is that my dad sent me an email with photos of my early career a few days before he died, and I didn’t reply.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

I’d go back to when I won the World Championship in 2009. I’d love to be with those people who meant a lot to me.

What’s a positive to come out of lockdown?

Spending more time with my children [Hendrix and Lenny, one month] and Brittny.

Jenson says he strives to be a good person
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Jenson says he strives to be a good personCredit: PA:Press Association

What would you like your epitaph to be?

That I did my best in racing, and that I was kind. I strive to be a good person.

What’s the worst pain you’ve ever experienced?

I hurt my back while on a bike. I saw a doctor who put a needle in my bum and I collapsed in pain. Luckily they pulled the needle out before I hit the floor.

How do you relax?

I live in LA, so I go hiking in the mountains.

What’s your greatest achievement?

Winning the F1 World Championship, and my children.

Jenson says he loves hugs
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Jenson says he loves hugsCredit: brittny/Instagram

What’s top of your bucket list?

I want to win Le Mans.

What do you think happens when we die?

I hope we’re reincarnated as fluffy dogs!

Who’s your celeb crush?

Ryan Reynolds - he’s a good-looking bloke and funny as hell!

What are your best and worst qualities?

I love hugs – that’s a good quality. My worst is being impatient.

Most famous person on your phone?

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Lots of racing drivers. And Michael Fassbender. 

  • Shop Jenson Button X Dare 2b now at Dare2b.com.
Jenson Button says he is looking forward to return to Williams F1 team as senior advisor

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