Button claims F1 world title in Brazil after banner year

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It's been 17 years on this day since Jenson Button conquered his F1 world championship title with Brawn GP.

A month before the start of the 2009 season, Jenson Button was staring at the unemployment line, with team and driver still uncertain of their fate for the coming year.

Seven months later, Button was F1's unexpected world champion, having enjoyed an extraordinary campaign during which he won five races in the Mercedes-powered and dominant BGP 001.

Button sealed the title at Interlagos with a P5 finish and with one race to go.

An upcoming Disney+ four-part docu-series will recount the stunning coup pulled off by Brawn GP in 2009 and the forward march to glory enjoyed by Button and the Brackley squad.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.