Jenson Button to retire for Formula 1 after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
McLaren driver confirms that Sunday's race will be his last behind the wheel
JENSON BUTTON has announced he will retire from Formula 1 after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 36-year-old McClaren driver was due to go on sabbatical next year, with the team having the option on him for 2018.
But on Thursday, the Briton confirmed that he will be hanging up his driving gloves and helmet for good.
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Button said: "I go into this weekend thinking it's going to be my last race. I think that's the best way.
"At this moment in time, I don't want to be racing in F1 beyond this year."
The 2009 world champion made his debut aged 20 sixteen years ago.
This weekend’s finale will be his 305th grand prix, with only Rubens Barrichello (322) and Michael Schumacher (306) taking part in more.
Button, who has driven for Williams, Benetton, Renault, BAR, Honda, Brawn and McLaren, has won 15 F1 races.
Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne will replace him at McLaren next year as team-mate to two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, although Button will act as an ambassador for the team.
Button added: "It is true that I have a contract in 2018 but, at this moment in time, I am not going to be racing in 2018.
"The whole point of this [contract for 2018] was if, in three months' time, I had eaten myself stupid and I changed my mind.
"But I don't want to go into this race thinking it's not my last race - and it is.
"It's been a long journey since eight years old until now.
"You get to Formula 1 with many dreams and hopefully you leave the sport with memories - some amazing memories, some life-changing, some good, some bad. To walk away with the world championship is very special, too.
"I will definitely step away from F1 happy with what I've achieved and definitely my life starts now."