John Button has passed away

smr · 13 Jan 2014 at 16:34

Thought this man was more than worthy of creating a thread for...

Terribly sad news that Jenson Button's Father, John Button, has passed away. Such a great guy who was always in attendance at Jenson's races and worked tirelessly to ensure Jenson got a seat in Formula 1 since he was 8 years old. I'm just thankful he got to see the fruits of his labour and his son become Formula 1 World Champion, which meant a tremendous amount to him.

A great character in and around the Paddock and a very popular guy, he will be missed. Rest In Peace

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/25719879

englishpremier · 13 Jan 2014 at 16:59

Didn't realise he was 70.

No more pink shirts in the pit lane. I wonder how it might affect Button. I think John used to attend all the races he physically could.

thecremeegg · 13 Jan 2014 at 17:04

He was quite a character, 70 is no age nowadays

MooMoo444 · 13 Jan 2014 at 17:05

At the very least, Jenson can come to terms with the loss outside of the F1 season, rather than during it [in which it would likely affect his performance].

RIP

Mr Goat · 13 Jan 2014 at 17:05

Sad news, 70 is not very old. RIP.

Duke · 13 Jan 2014 at 17:26

How sad

RIP

Lopéz · 13 Jan 2014 at 17:53

Really sad news, poor sod

TaKeN · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:04

Awful news. Such a great character, I will sorely miss seeing him during the F1 coverage. May he rest in peace.

cainer · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:11

very sad news, he'l be missed around the paddock

cuke2u · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:24

I hope JB wins one more championship for his dad. I am in shock :-(

Korsun · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:31

Met him a few times when I worked for Honda F1, really nice guy..........

PinkFloyd · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:34

That really sucks. As others have said - he was a great character. I hope Jenson has a good season to begin to make up for this over the rest of the year.

el_dazza · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:43

RIP John. Always seemed to enjoy himself at races and seemed like a really genuinely nice guy. Real shame.

Nismo · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:46

RIP Papa Smurf

ShakenNstirred · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:48

RIP john
always a smiling face in the paddock

FrankJH · 13 Jan 2014 at 18:59

Such a tragedy, and at such a relatively young age too.

Not sure how this cant affect this season for JB, its not something that he will be able to stop thinking about just like that.

~Mike~ · 13 Jan 2014 at 19:42

Very sad news. Jenson will no doubt miss him greatly not being at the races.

RIP

teejay73 · 13 Jan 2014 at 19:58

Such a shame. I remember many times from Karting meets seeing John Button and A young JB in Cadets, And even that far back he was consummately passionate about everything Jenson done and even set up a team (rocket karting) to ensure his son had the best chance. To be honest all dad's back then plunged money in to fund their kid's karting. The rat pack at the time consisted of JB, The late Daniel Wheldon, Ant Davidson. All of those as kid's were backed initially by their parents, For me they were glory day's of British Karting and we really produced some hot talent back then (sadly I was not one of them

), Though for me personally, Button and Wheldon were the ones that I really thought had the most natural talent and even without funding they were destined to find the top.

Glad John Button had the opportunity to see Jenson fulfil his dream, An opportunity that sadly, Daniel Wheldon never had but he richly deserved imo. Sad times like this remind me how many good guy's in motorsport go too early.

R.I.P John Button, You more than anyone got Jenson to where he is today!

Irish_Tom · 13 Jan 2014 at 21:02

koolpc · 13 Jan 2014 at 21:04

RIP and God Bless Him.