Jenson Button Family Tree: The Story Behind F1's 2009 Champion

Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, born 19 January 1980 in Frome, Somerset, England, is a British F1 driver — 2009 World Drivers' Champion (Brawn GP, winning 6 of first 7 races); 306 F1 starts, 15 wins, 50 podiums.

The Family's Roots: A Somerset Motoring Family

Father was a rallycross driver in the 1970s.

His Parents

Father: John Button (1943–2014) — rallycross driver; ran a garage.

Mother: Simone Button — homemaker; separated from John when Jenson was 7.

His Half-Sisters

Tanya, Natasha, and Samantha Button — half-sisters from John's earlier relationships.

His First Wife: Jessica Michibata

Jessica Michibata, born 24 February 1984 — Japanese-Argentine model. Married Jenson on 29 December 2014; divorced December 2015.

His Partner: Brittny Ward

Brittny Ward, born 19 August 1990 — American model & 2015 Playboy Playmate. Together since 2016.

Their Children

Hendrix Button, born 17 June 2019 — son.

Lenny Monroe Button, born October 2020 — daughter.

The Button Family Tree at a Glance

Father: John Button (1943–2014) — rallycross driver.

Mother: Simone Button.

Half-Sisters: Tanya; Natasha; Samantha.

First Wife: Jessica Michibata (b. 24 February 1984; m. 29 December 2014, div. December 2015).

Partner: Brittny Ward (b. 19 August 1990) — American model.

Children: Hendrix (b. 17 June 2019); Lenny Monroe (b. October 2020).

Jenson Button:

  • Born 19 January 1980, Frome
  • Karting from age 8 (managed by father)
  • Formula Ford Festival winner 1998; F3 vice-champion 1999
  • F1 debut: 2000 Australian GP (Williams) at 20 — F1's youngest British driver at the time
  • Benetton/Renault 2001-02, BAR/Honda 2003-2008
  • Brawn GP 2009 — Champion (fairytale season after Honda pulled out)
  • McLaren 2010-2016 (teammate to Hamilton 2010-12)
  • 306 F1 starts, 15 wins, 8 poles, 50 podiums, 1 title
  • Retired end of 2016
  • 2018 Super GT (Japan) champion; Le Mans 2018 (Rebellion)

What the Button Family Story Teaches Us

A rallycross-driver father lost in 2014. A homemaker mother. Three half-sisters. A one-year first marriage. A partner who is an American model. Two children. A career that turned Honda's dropout into a fairytale 2009 title.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Button story carries the same lesson. Some careers turn a team's near-death into a fairytale season.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.