Button's crowning glory

Jenson Button has described being awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours List as 'the crowning glory' of a superb 2009.

Button won six of the first seven grands prix of the 2009 season and sealed the Formula One drivers' title in Brazil with a race to spare, while his team Brawn GP won the constructors' crown with team principal Ross Brawn being awarded an OBE.

Despite all the highlights of his year, Button insisted that receiving the MBE was the greatest honour yet and he said in a statement released to Press Association Sport: "This really is the crowning glory to what has been the most incredible year of my life."

He added: "I'm incredibly proud to have joined the likes of Mike Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton as British Formula 1 world champion.

"But to be recognised by Her Majesty The Queen and the British people is a tremendous honour for me."

Button concluded the year by signing for McLaren, where he will link up with fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 F1 champion.

Button's success was all the more remarkable considering how the year began for his team. There were serious doubts they would even be on the starting grid for 2009 after Japanese manufacturers Honda announced at the end of last year that they were quitting the sport.

Team principal Brawn led a management buy-out and the reconstituted Brawn GP side made a stunning start to the new campaign.

Button added: "The past 12 months have provided me with such an exhilarating journey. We literally started with nothing, but had the belief, determination and passion to take on the world and succeed.

"Everybody at Brawn GP played their part - and it was down to their expertise, dedication and hard work that we were able to achieve so much. Many people played a role in my world championship - and in receiving this award, I want to acknowledge and thank them for all their efforts."