Jenson Button reunites with Williams F1 team as senior advisor

Jenson Button has signed a multi-year agreement to become a senior advisor for Williams, the team which handed him his Formula 1 debut 21 years ago.

Williams gave the then 20-year-old Briton his big F1 break when it announced he would race alongside Ralf Schumacher for the 2000 season.

Button, who went on to be crowned F1 world champion in 2009 with Brawn GP, will take on the role of senior advisor to the Grove-based squad, which he will combine alongside his punditry duties for Sky Sports.

“I am so delighted to once again be able to say that I’ve signed for Williams,” said Button. “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.”

Williams said that Button’s 30 years of motorsport experience will help provide guidance to the team at Grove, while also helping to support and develop both George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, as well as the team’s academy drivers.

Button will attend a number of grands prix throughout 2021 and will also support Williams’ media and marketing activities.

Incoming Williams CEO Jost Capito added: “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.”