Brawn GP’s first and only effort as a constructor was special, building a car that took advantage of the double-diffuser concept that catapulted a team that was on the verge of liquidation to championship outfit. Button secured six victories in the first half of the season on the way to his first F1 title.
A switch to McLaren followed for 2010 and he saw out the remainder of his Formula 1 career with the team, finishing second in the 2011 season and adding a further six wins to his previous seven. He outscored Lewis Hamilton over their three seasons at the team and is one of the most successful British drivers in history — although some way behind his former team-mate.
Kimi Räikkonen
It was a rapid rise to Formula 1 for the next flying Finn. Kimi Räikkönen’s junior formula results convinced Peter Sauber to give him a test in 2000 where he impressed to such an extent he was hired for the 2001 season despite having just 23 single-seater races to his name. Points on debut impressed many, though reportedly the Finn was asleep 30 minutes prior to lights out, the first sign of a uniquely laid-back approach that has won him fans the world over.