2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button has called his MBE award from the Queen, announced in the New Year's honours list today, the crowning glory of his 2009 year, as his former team boss Ross Brawn was also honoured with an OBE.
Button's award had been predicted a number of weeks ago, but he has now been confirmed as becoming a Member of the British Empire, in the charmlessly antiquated honours list. Button won the 2009 title at the Brazilian Grand Prix in October after winning six of the first seven races.
Ross Brawn, who led the Brawn GP team to success in the drivers and constructors championships in 2009, despite the team only securing a last-gasp buyout ahead of the season following Honda's withdrawal, will be made an Officer of the British Empire as well.
Button has since switched to the McLaren team to defend his title in 2010, where he will race alongside 2008 champion, and fellow MBE holder, Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking about the honour, Button said that: "This really is the crowning glory to what has been the most incredible year of my life. To be recognised by the Queen and the British people is a tremendous honour."
He added that the whole Brawn team worked together for their 2009 success, and he took time to thank the "many people" who helped with his title glory.
"Everybody at Brawn played their part," Button smarmed, "It was down to their expertise, dedication and hard work that we were able to achieve so much.
"We literally started with nothing, but had the belief, determination and passion to take on the world and succeed. Many people played a role in my world championship - and in receiving this award, I want to acknowledge and thank them for all their efforts."
He also payed tribute to the other British F1 champions that he follows in the footsteps of, including his 2010 team mate.
"I'm incredibly proud to have joined the likes of Mike Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton as British Formula 1 world champion," Button grinned.
"The past 12 months have provided me with such an exhilarating journey. For 2010, I am starting another exciting chapter in my career. I'm really looking forward to representing Great Britain on the world's sporting stage and successfully defending my world championship."
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