The father of Mclaren Formula 1 driver Jenson Button, John Button who enjoyed success in his own career in rallycross, has passed away today. John was 70.
"It is with great sadness and regret that I can confirm John Button passed away at his home in the south of France on Sunday," Button's management team said in a statement.
"Whilst we await confirmation, initial signs would indicate a suspected heart attack. A close friend who was visiting John on Sunday was the first to discover the tragic news.
"John's children Jenson, Natasha, Samantha and Tanya and the rest of the family are clearly devastated and ask for their privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time."
Having become a near ever-present during his son's grand prix career, John was a hugely popular figure in the F1 paddocks over the past 15 years.
John's passion for motor racing had been with him throughout his life, having competed successfully in rallycross during the 1970s.
He was a runner-up in the 1976 RAC British Rallycross Championship and famously competed in a VW Beetle that due to its striking colour scheme became known as a 'Colorado Beetle.'
It was natural for him to push his son Jenson - named after rallycross friend Erling Jensen - into motor racing when his own career ended, and John became a strong force in helping Jenson reach the very top.
"It is with great sadness and regret that I can confirm John Button passed away at his home in the south of France on Sunday," Button's management team said in a statement.
"Whilst we await confirmation, initial signs would indicate a suspected heart attack. A close friend who was visiting John on Sunday was the first to discover the tragic news.
"John's children Jenson, Natasha, Samantha and Tanya and the rest of the family are clearly devastated and ask for their privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time."
Having become a near ever-present during his son's grand prix career, John was a hugely popular figure in the F1 paddocks over the past 15 years.
He was a runner-up in the 1976 RAC British Rallycross Championship and famously competed in a VW Beetle that due to its striking colour scheme became known as a 'Colorado Beetle.'
It was natural for him to push his son Jenson - named after rallycross friend Erling Jensen - into motor racing when his own career ended, and John became a strong force in helping Jenson reach the very top.
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