Jenson Button's Remarkable Body Transformation in Retirement
Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has undergone a significant physical change since retiring from racing, putting on nearly two stone in weight as he immerses himself in the demanding sport of Hyrox. The 46-year-old, who last raced in F1 nearly nine years ago, now weighs 81kg, a stark contrast to his racing weight of 70kg or less during his F1 career.
Embracing a New Athletic Challenge
Button has transitioned from the high-speed world of Formula 1 to the intense fitness arena of Hyrox, a sport that combines running 8km on an indoor track with eight evenly distributed workouts. He completed his first solo Hyrox event in Phoenix, Arizona, in early February, following a Pro Doubles event in California late last year. This shift has not only transformed his physique but also revitalized his approach to training and health.
In an interview with Men's Health, Button expressed enthusiasm for his new regimen, stating, "I have loved putting weight on. It's not been easy because I've been skinny my whole life." He highlighted the benefits of weight training, noting increased energy levels and quicker recovery compared to his previous cardio-focused sessions. "I feel so much better and more invigorated from doing weight training," he added, emphasizing the positive impact on his daily life.
Balancing Fitness with Family and Racing
After retiring from F1, Button remained active in motorsport, participating in series like Super GT, NASCAR, and the World Endurance Championship until 2025. However, he found that traditional endurance sports, such as triathlon, required too much time, with training sessions reaching up to 20 hours per week, which conflicted with his family commitments and ongoing racing career.
Hyrox offered a solution with shorter, more intense workouts that fit better into his schedule. "The training sessions are a lot shorter, unbelievably intense, and it just worked really well for me," Button explained. He has focused on upper-body weight training and enjoys the challenge, despite acknowledging the sport's toughness, especially for competitive participants.
Performance and Future Goals in Hyrox
Button has quickly become dedicated to Hyrox, clocking times of 1:11:43 in his Pro Doubles event and 1:08:47 in his solo race. He admits to being "all in on Hyrox" but recognizes areas for improvement, such as ankle flexibility and glute strength, which affect his performance in exercises like wall balls. "If I sorted the wall balls out then I think a 05 would be possible," he said, showing his commitment to enhancing his personal best.
His transformation has not gone unnoticed, with his wife humorously pointing out his "flat butt" as a weakness. Despite this, Button remains positive about the process, enjoying the journey of building muscle and pushing his body to new limits in his post-F1 life.
