Jenson Button has officially announced his retirement from competitive racing. The former world champion will participate in his final race at the Eight Hours of Bahrain in early November before bidding farewell to his racing career.

After concluding his Formula One tenure in 2016 and making a brief return for the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix with McLaren, Button ventured into various racing series, including the NASCAR Cup Series and the World Endurance Championship.

The 45-year-old, also known for his role as a pundit on Sky Sports F1, had previously indicated his intention to step back from full-time racing and depart from his position with Jota Cadillac. Now, Button has confirmed that he is indeed reaching the end of his racing journey.

In an interview with BBC Radio Somerset, Button expressed his sentiments about retiring, citing his busy life and the desire to spend more time with his young children as primary reasons for his decision. He emphasized the importance of being present for his family and not missing out on valuable moments due to racing commitments.

Meanwhile, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports package, now offering subscribers access to HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, in addition to 135 channels and comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 events.

Despite facing challenges earlier in the season in Qatar and Imola, Button and his teammates, Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais, have shown resilience with notable performances at Spa, Le Mans, and a podium finish in Sao Paulo. As they gear up for the final showdown in Bahrain, Button’s team is determined to close the gap on Porsche in the American Manufacturers’ Championship battle.

Button acknowledged the tough competition but remains optimistic about their chances, aiming for a strong finish in Bahrain. Reflecting on his impending retirement, he expressed his fondness for the Bahrain circuit and emphasized his intention to savor every moment of his last professional race.