The welcome news that Jenson Button will continue to drive for McLaren in 2016 means his career will extend into a 17th season. Is this a record? asked George Carrington
Jenson Button's first grand prix was back in March 2000 when he made his debut for Williams aged only 20. He's therefore coming towards the end of his 16th season in F1.
Only four drivers have taken part in more different seasons: Riccardo Patrese managed 17 between 1977 and 2003, and Graham Hill 18 between 1958 and 1975. Rubens Barrichello took part in 19 consecutive seasons between 1993 and 2011, while Michael Schumacher also took part in 19 different years, between 1991 and 2012 (he did not participate between 2007 and 2009).
Barrichello (323) and Schumacher (307) are the only drivers to have raced in more than 300 GPs: Button, who currently has taken part in 279, should join them late next year.
Jack Brabham (1955-70) and Jo Bonnier (1956-71) also took part in 16 different F1 seasons. Of the other current drivers, Fernando Alonso is currently in his 14th season, while Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen are in their 13th.