The 2010 Formula 1 season is only just beginning, but Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button already has plenty to celebrate after picking up a Laureus World Sports Award in Abu Dhabi last night.
Jenson joined the ranks of legendary sports stars such as Lance Armstrong, Usain Bolt, Roger Federer and Mika Häkkinen in an emotional ceremony at the Emirates Palace.
Jenson won the Breakthrough of the Year Award, which recognised his achievement in taking his first world championship against considerable odds. Other nominees included multiple Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish, diver Tom Daley, US Open tennis winner Juan Martin del Potro, South Korean golfer Ji Yai Shin and the German football team VFL Wolfsburg.
“Last year was eventful but I have many happy memories,” says Jenson. “At the time I wasn’t thinking about the rewards, I was just tackling each challenge as it came. I’m honoured to have been given this award, and it comes at a very appropriate time as I face the fresh challenges of a new F1 season.”