Jenson Button: Life to the Limit: My Autobiography

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 3,379 ratings

Price: 17.05

Last update: 01-02-2025


About this item

The full-length, in-depth and intimate autobiography from Jenson Button, one of Britain's greatest ever racing drivers.

Jenson Button is one of the finest racing drivers of his generation. His 17 years in Formula One have seen him experience everything the sport has to offer, from nursing duff cars round the track to winning world championships and everything in between. Here, Jenson tells his full story for the first time in his own honest, intelligent and eloquent style - from growing up as part of a motor-racing-mad family under the guidance of his father, John, to arriving at Williams as a fresh-faced 20-year-old to being written off as a playboy, distracted by the luxurious trappings of his lifestyle, and his fight back to the very pinnacle of his sport.

Jenson's world championship victory for the unsponsored and unfancied Brawn GP team is one of the most extraordinary against-the-odds sports stories of the century. Jenson's book lifts the lid on the gilded and often hidden world of Formula One. He reveals his relationships with some of the biggest names in the sport - Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso - as well some of the most colourful characters, such as Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Frank Williams and serial winner Ross Brawn.

Above all he puts you right inside the cockpit, in the driving seat, travelling at over 200 miles per hour, battling the fear of death, showing you what happens when it goes wrong at high speed and allowing you to experience the euphoria of crossing the line first.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Sascot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving and real
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2018
    Whether you are a F1 supporter or follower or not, this is a human story of achievement that deserves to be read. Yes, you might skip the chronology of events and the results but be careful that you do not miss a snippet in between. Written in a chatty and informal colloquial style, I came away feeling that Jenson is a genuine decent bloke. His love for his Dad is real, described graphically but it does not become slushy, remaining relevant throughout. I nearly, meanly lopped off a star for the excess spelling mistakes but put that down to poor editing/proof reading or even sloppy transfer to e book. Probably not his fault. Congratulations on your achievements, Jenson and good luck with the second half of your life. I kindof think he'll still be doing triathalons at eighty........
  • Faluvegi Balazs
    4.0 out of 5 stars The early chapters are really likeable
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2018
    It's impossible not to like this guy, and this makes his book way more easy to read. I especially liked the parts of the early days, his childhood, and the years leading to Formula 1. Still hard to believe the first phone call's content with Frank Williams, though. Jenson also handles his personal story about his background, relationship with his father and other family members with such an ease, that we can admire, without giving out too much of his (and family's) privacy. A bit on the downside: some of the F1 years chapters are bit boring sometimes with story-less details of his results. This is not supposed to be some sort of an almanac, or statistical yearbook. Luckily most of the book is not like that, and gives us a great insight into a successful F1 driver's career.
  • AngloPom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and insightful read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2021
    Entertaining and insightful read from an F1 World Champion with fascinating anecdotes on F1 personalities (both good and bad).
    Button has a relaxed, easy writing style that is especially resonant with British readers (due to some terminology/turns of phrase).
    I always admired his driving style and tenacity, so no surprise he related more to Prost than Senna.
    Anyone who doubts his driving skill should note that he beat his F1 World Championship team mates in the same car, twice, Hamilton and Alonso.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Story
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2022
    Great read, honest, and entertaining. Great story of grit and perseverance to make it to the top. Highly recommended to any sports fan.
  • David Pearse
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read from a great guy who won in f1
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2018
    Its not often the good guy wins an f1 championship so it’s great read. Missing some juicy stuff though and brushes over his final years in f1 too easily. Wanted a bit more from Jenson. Great insight to early days, his family and father... Mark Webber’s book is a better read but I still rate this book as highly recommended
  • lise r. de pons
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful self biography of one of the nicest characters in Formula One.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2019
    This book was a pleasure to read, from the first to the last page.
    If you already like Jenson, you will simply LOVE him when you end the book.
    It’s written with the same candor Jenson exhibits as a person. It’s also an homage to his family, especially his father. What a wonderful relationship these two had!
    A very uplifting book!
  • Michael R. Folena
    3.0 out of 5 stars Jenson was a good racer, not great
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2018
    Jenson was a good racer, not great. His career seems like a case of being in the right place at the right time. The inconsistency was attributed to bad cars, and bad luck. I just didn't see where he was that good overall in F1 at the time. His Dad was an interesting character, and a good coach. The book is an average read.
  • lxc357
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very honest autobiography
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2021
    It felt like Jenson was very honest and open. Even though I have followed F1 for years, I still felt a sense of suspense as he went thru each season, each race. Great insights into some of the other F1 personalities.

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