Button’s Ferrari debut with a sublime classic twist

©Instagram/JensonButton

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©Instagram/JensonButton

It was a few decades in the making, but 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button finally realized his dream of racing a Ferrari!

Trading modern F1 speed and precision for some vintage flair, Button took to Sonoma Raceway at last weekend’s Velocity Invitational in a stunning 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

With more curves than a Monaco afterparty and perhaps worth more than his entire racing career’s earnings, an apprehensive Button admitted that the sublime work of art was “the most expensive car I’ve ever driven let alone raced!!”

The 2009 F1 World Champion warmed up to his prestigious Ferrari ride by winning the day's early 50s Group 1 event at the wheel of his 1952 Jaguar C Type.

However, a few gremlins hiding under the hood of the 250 TR undermined Button’s Group 2 qualifying race, which led to a prudent drive to P17 in the main event.

But at least he finally got to drive a Ferrari... just 20 years too late and about 400 horsepower too slow!

©Instagram/JensonButton

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.