Jenson Button has officially announced his retirement from professional motorsport. The former world champion of 2009 will participate in his last race at the Eight Hours of Bahrain in early November before concluding his racing career.

After wrapping up his Formula 1 journey in 2016 and making a brief return for the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix with McLaren, Button ventured into various racing series such as the NASCAR Cup Series and the World Endurance Championship.

Despite being a regular pundit on Sky Sports F1, the 45-year-old driver from Somerset disclosed in July his decision to step back from full-time racing and part ways with Jota Cadillac. He confirmed that his competitive racing days are coming to an end.

“This will mark my final race. Bahrain has always been a track I enjoy, and I intend to savor every moment as it signifies the conclusion of my professional racing career,” Button shared on BBC Radio Somerset.

Acknowledging the demands of his personal life, particularly with young children, Button expressed his inability to commit to another full season of racing due to time constraints and the significant moments he would miss with his family.

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Despite facing challenges at the start of the season in Qatar and Imola, Button’s team demonstrated resilience with strong showings at Spa and Le Mans, culminating in a podium finish in Sao Paulo. Button, along with teammates Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais, is determined to support Cadillac in the battle for the American Manufacturers’ Championship against Porsche, with their team currently trailing by 22 points as they head into the final round in Bahrain.

“We are still united in our pursuit of the Constructors’ Championship. While securing a win is a tough task, achieving second place is within our reach,” Button remarked following his retirement announcement. Looking ahead to the last race in Bahrain, he emphasized his enjoyment of the track and his intention to savor every moment, knowing it marks the end of his competitive racing career.