British Formula One legend Jenson Button, has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Bath.
On 7 December, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering from the university to mark his achievements in racing.
Button, who hails from Somerset, UK, first drove in Formula One with Williams in 2000. He became the F1 World Champion in 2009 while driving for Brawn GP.
After Mercedes bought out Brawn, Button announced he would be leaving the team to move to McLaren for the 2010 season. He has competed in 305 Grands Prix and was nominated for the 2009 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.
In September 2016, Button announced he would be stepping down from the McLaren race seat for the 2017 Formula One season. He has signed a two-year deal to be an ambassador with the team holding an option for him to return as a race driver in 2018.
Watch Button collect his degree here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5Fv3nDGplA
The degree was awarded to him by HRH Prince Edward, who is Chancellor of the University of Bath.
Dr Geraint Owen, who introduced Button, said:
Formula One drivers are some of the most highly conditioned athletes on earth, their bodies specifically adapted to the very exacting requirements of top-flight single-seater motor racing. In a hot, cramped cockpit, loads on the body regularly exceed a sustained 4.5 G. While subjected to this loading, the driver is required to retain total concentration and lightning-fast reactions throughout the two-hour race.
Owen added:
Away from the paddock, Jenson is a keen triathlete and is also involved in charitable work through the creation of The Jenson Button Trust. A gentleman on and off the track, he is liked and admired through the motor racing world; Jenson is a perfect role model for any up and coming sportsman.
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