Jenson Button wants to go out with a battle in his Formula 1 finale
"I go into the last race excited knowing that I'm going to have a great race," says Button as he eyes fights with rivals from 12th
Monday 28 November 2016 11:19, UK
Jenson Button says he is "excited" about racing in his final grand prix in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as he eyes a race-long battle for his F1 swansong.
The former world champion will start from 12th on the grid for what is set to be the 305th and final race of his 17-year career after missing out on a top-10 Q3 appearance by two tenths of a second in qualifying.
Button regrets timing of retirement decision
Button has all-but admitted in recent days that permanent F1 retirement beckons for him after Sunday's season finale despite having a contractual option to return in 2018, and the 36-year-old is looking to savour his final appearance.
"The mindset definitely changes, which is a shame. I didn't think it would, but it definitely does," he said, two months on from his announcement at Monza that he would not be racing in 2017.
"But [Sunday] is a big day. I don't go into the last race thinking 'oh, I can't wait until it's over' I go into the last race excited knowing that I'm going to have a great race. I will give it my all as I always do in every grand prix."
After a dismal Brazilian GP two weeks ago, when he finished last in wet conditions he has habitually thrived in, Button's preparations in Abu Dhabi were interrupted on Friday by a power unit change.
However, he enjoyed a more competitive qualifying at Yas Marina to secure his highest grid slot for five races - a result which means he starts in the heart of the midfield with a realistic shot at a 163rd and final F1 points finish.
"The only thing is I made sure I enjoyed it," he said of his qualifying swansong. "A couple of tenths off of Q3, I was relatively happy and enjoyed it.
"I'm a race driver so I'm excited [about the race]. The fight, that's always what we love and if you can't win the race at least it's good to have that fight and from the start to the finish of the race hopefully it will be a good fight.
"So that's what I'm really looking to. I'll sleep well tonight."
Button has been joined in Abu Dhabi by mother, sister Natasha and girlfriend Brittny Ward and says he will spend the night before his final race at a family meal in which he expects plenty of "reminiscing" over his illustrious F1 career.
