We all wanted what might well be Jenson Button’s final race in Formula 1 to end with a good result.
But just like Felipe Massa’s last Brazilian GP, it all ended with a retirement. It wasn’t how we wanted Button to finish his F1 career and it was all thanks to one spoil-sport kerb.
BUT 📻: “Something feels wrong with the steering – we’ve got a failure”
Looks like his race – and possibly his F1 career – is over #F1Finale pic.twitter.com/lCvAyiwKsk
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
He was running in the top 10 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, having yet to pit for a new set of tyres, when he hit the kerb a little harder than usual at the Turn 9 chicane.
This broke his front-right suspension, pitching him off-track at the next chicane. He sadly had to limp back to the pits and retire.
He climbed from his car and waved to the crowds in the grandstand, who got to their feet – just showing how much respect there is for Button.
No ha sido una rotura repentina. Se ha montado de más en el piano y la ha roto. #F1 pic.twitter.com/JURFg47FlZ
— MrAlexF1 (@MrAlexF1) November 27, 2016
The Brit then went and hugged his mum, before going and seeing the rest of his friends and family.
We so wanted Button to end the year with a good, top 10 result. A podium was never really going to be possible with the McLaren he was driving. But he certainly didn’t deserve such a cruel end to his F1 career.
A standing ovation from the crowd for @JensonButton
And a hug from his tearful mum as he retires#F1Finale #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/4pqQ2kSLz4
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
Well, that’s unless he changes his mind in a few months time. He said earlier in the weekend that, right now, he thinks he won’t return to F1. But that could all change…
Nevertheless, if it is his last race, thanks for all the good times, memories and laughs, Jenson. The F1 grid will be a poorer one without you in 2017!
