Button returns to Williams as team's senior advisor!

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Williams Racing has announced that 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button has signed a multi-year agreement as a senior advisor to the British outfit.

Button's involvement with Williams is a home coming of sorts for the Briton who started his career in Grand Prix racing as a 20-year-old with Sir Frank Williams team in 2000.

Button raced but a single season for Williams, scoring points in six races before he moved to Benetton-Renault in 2001, later racing for BAR, Brawn, with whom he won the world title, and finally McLaren, the team with which he concluded his career in F1 with a final outing at Monaco in 2017.

Button's role at Williams will be to provide advice and guidance to the Grove-based outfit, and help support the outfit's race and academy drivers.

"I am so delighted to once again be able to say that I’ve signed for Williams," said Button.

"Back when I was 19 it was a moment that changed my life and, despite the fact it was over 20 years ago, I already feel like I never really left.

"Sir Frank Williams showed faith in me which I will be eternally grateful for and I am incredibly excited to have the chance to come back and help the team as it strives once more for success.

"There’s a lot of hard work to be done but I have no doubt the future is incredibly bright for this fantastic team and I can’t wait to get started."

Alongside his duties with Williams, Button will remain on Sky Sport F1's team of experts this season.

Read also: Button reveals contracts 'were ready to go' with Ferrari in 2012

Jost Capito incoming CEO, Williams Racing, concluded: "Bringing Jenson back on board is another positive step to help us move forward as a team both on and off track.

"Jenson has always been a friend of the team and so it is great to welcome him back into the Williams family.

"Back in 2000, Sir Frank saw the promising talent Jenson had as a driver and gave him his first opportunity in F1.

"He more than fulfilled that initial promise throughout a glittering career that culminated in world championship glory," added the German.

"More recently, he has shown his acumen in both the business and broadcasting worlds and remains a widely respected figure in the paddock.

"All this experience will add another layer to our transformation both technically and as a business. I know everyone at Grove has huge respect for him and we’re delighted to start working with him."

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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.