Button receives MBE

Jenson Button

World Champion Jenson Button became the proud holder of an MBE after being credited with the honor by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London on Wednesday. The event confirms that both McLaren drivers have now received the tribute, courtesy of their individual title successes in 2008 and 2009.

Like former Team Principal Ross Brawn, Button's name was revealed on the latest New Year's Honors List, with the former having picked up an OBE in March.

Button collected his MBE on Wednesday morning, having returned from Istanbul after finishing second in the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.

"The last 18 months have been an incredible period in my life," 30-year-old Jenson commented. "Starting last year facing almost impossible odds, I achieved my childhood dream of winning the Formula 1 World Championship and I'm now driving for one of the greatest teams in the sport.

"To also be recognized by Her Majesty the Queen and the British people is the greatest honor I could possibly imagine.

"My whole life in motorsport has been an incredible journey. When I started karting as an 8-year-old boy, I could only dream of racing in Formula 1 or becoming World Champion. Even now, those dreams still feel unbelievable and fantastic to me.

"To visit Buckingham Palace today is another huge step along that journey. To be awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen is a very great honor for me and a significant milestone in my life. Today makes me incredibly proud to be British and to be able represent my country on the world's stage.

"Being Formula 1 World Champion, and receiving the MBE today, carries with it great responsibility that I am proud to take on and uphold." GPUpdate.net