The Unconventional Strategy Behind a Championship Victory
In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, drivers often resort to extreme measures to gain a competitive edge. For Jenson Button during his dramatic 2009 championship campaign, this meant imposing a surprising personal restriction: a complete ban on intimate relations with his then-girlfriend, model Jessica Michibata.
From Career Uncertainty to Championship Contention
Button's journey to the 2009 title represented one of modern F1's most remarkable turnaround stories. At the conclusion of the 2008 season, the British driver's career appeared in serious jeopardy when Honda suddenly withdrew from the sport. The Brackley-based team, which would later transform into the Mercedes F1 outfit, faced potential collapse, threatening hundreds of jobs.
A dramatic rescue operation led by team principals Ross Brawn and Nick Fry saved the operation. Running with Mercedes power units, Button experienced a sensational start to the 2009 season, achieving victory in six of the first seven Grands Prix. This extraordinary performance established what seemed like an unassailable championship lead.
Mounting Pressure Leads to Drastic Measures
As the season progressed, Button's advantage began to diminish. His Brawn GP teammate Rubens Barrichello and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel consistently closed the gap throughout the latter half of the championship battle. The pressure intensified significantly after Button could only manage eighth place at the Japanese Grand Prix, an event won by his rival Vettel.
Throughout this challenging period, Button had been supported by his model partner Jessica Michibata. He had previously praised her thoughtful nature, revealing after the Singapore Grand Prix how she had provided foot massages and emotional support. However, with the championship hanging in the balance ahead of the crucial Brazilian Grand Prix, where he could mathematically secure the title, Button made a difficult decision.
A team source explained at the time: "It's such an important weekend for Jenson. He has hundreds of things to do and wants to be able to concentrate on them alone. Jessica normally always travels with him but he has to keep his mind on the job, so to speak."
The Sacrifice That Secured Sporting Glory
This self-imposed abstinence represented a stark contrast to Button's behaviour earlier in the season. The driver had previously confessed to "getting steamy" with Michibata in a team office following his victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The strategic decision ultimately proved successful. At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Button secured a fighting fifth-place finish, which was sufficient to clinch the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship with one race still remaining on the calendar.
Following their reunion after the title was secured, the couple undoubtedly enjoyed private celebrations. Their relationship continued to develop, with Michibata famously seen in tears when Button triumphed at her home race in Japan during 2011. The pair eventually married in 2014, though their union lasted only twelve months before ending.
Button has since moved on personally, marrying American model Brittny Ward in 2022. The couple now share two young children together.
Meanwhile, the current F1 championship battle continues to intensify as the sport returns to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Following his victory in Mexico, Lando Norris leads his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point, while reigning world champion Max Verstappen sits a further 35 points behind in third position.
