At Monza in September, we received the news that Jenson Button won't be racing in Formula 1 next year. His 16 consecutive years of driving in the top flight of the sport have come to an end. His dream is over.
Replacing him at McLaren is the quick, talented Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne. The once youthful, boy-next-door Jenson Button, now 36, has been usurped by a fresher, leaner, younger hot-shoe who is 12 years his junior. It's the unfortunate reality that will hit us all one day.
Button, though, will remain with McLaren on a new, two-year deal, as an ambassador and reserve driver for the team. And, in 2018, if McLaren takes up the option, he'll be back in the car, presumably to replace Fernando Alonso when his three-year contract expires.