It's Official - Jenson Button to take a sabbatical from F1 at the end of the season, while Stoffel Vandoorne replaces him for 2017

It was confirmed yesterday (3/9/16) that Jenson Button will take a sabbatical from Formula 1 at the end of the 2016 season, which means the Englishmen will thus be leaving Formula 1 after seventeen seasons thus far, which includes fifteen Grand Prix victories and one F1 drivers' title. However, Button has signed a two year deal to be Ambassador with the the team holding an option for him to return as a race driver in 2018.



While, 2015 GP2 Series champion Stoffel Vandoorne will join McLaren as a full-time driver, replacing the 2009 World Champion.



Button's future has been the subject of speculation for the past few weeks, which he made the announcement after qualifying of the Italian Grand Prix.

Button career in Formula 1 started when he stepped up with Williams back in 2000, contesting a season includes becoming the youngest driver to score a point at that seasons' Brazilian Grand Prix finishing in sixth place, while his best result was a fourth place finish during the German Grand Prix.



Then swapping over to Benetton/Renault for two seasons. Then signed to B.A.R./Honda/Brawn in 2003 for seven seasons, which included seven Grand Prix wins and winning the F1 Drivers' Championship for Brawn.





Then in 2010, Button moved to McLaren winning eight Grand Prixs' which include finishing second place in the drivers' standings in 2011.



Just like Felipe Massa's post before, personally I thought Button might do another season with McLaren or return to Williams or another team for another season. But, with yesterday's news happening, it maybe the right time to take a sabbatical from Formula 1. Good luck whatever Jenson Button does next, as his been a great ambassador for the sport and a great driver for Formula 1.

While Jenson Button successor Stoffel Vandoorne, who won the 2015 GP2 Series championship. Spent 2016 as a reserve driver with the team, which include racing in the Super Formula Championship for Honda; and also replaces Fernando Alonso at this seasons Bahrain Grand Prix due to Alonso's heavy crash at the Grand Prix before, finishing an impressive tenth place finish in his debut race. Is stepping up to the main McLaren race seat alongside Fernando Alonso for next season.



Great news to see Stoffel Vandoorne stepping up to a full F1 drive at McLaren next season, well earned.

Everything changing at McLaren and for Formula 1 in 2017.