Jenson Button has thanked fans for supporting the Pink for Papa campaign over the past few months in memory of his father, John.
John Button was one of Jenson’s biggest influences, attending all but a handful of the grands prix that his son raced in. He was well-liked in the paddock, known for his sense of humor and friendly nature, but died at the age of 70 earlier this year.
In memory of his father and in order to raise money for the Henry Surtees Foundation, Button started the “Pink for Papa” campaign. John traditionally wore his lucky pink shirt on race days, so pink t-shirts were sold ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend in July.
Silverstone turned pink for the weekend, and Button also got in the spirit by changing the livery of his race helmet accordingly. He also used the design in Hungary, where John would have celebrated his 71st birthday.
“The Henry Surtees Foundation is a charity that’s very close to my heart,” Button said in a statement yesterday. “To have raised a significant amount of money for them is an absolutely incredible achievement, and I’m so grateful to every single person who either bought one of the official T-shirts, or who chose to wear pink at Silverstone to remember my father.
“I know my dad would’ve been incredibly proud.”
Button equalled his best-ever finish at the British Grand Prix that weekend, finishing fourth and narrowly missing out on a podium finish. It was an emotional result in what has been a tough season for the 2009 world champion.
“The whole Silverstone weekend was an unbelievably positive experience for me,” he said. “To have raised so much money, and for such a good cause, just made it even better.
“A heartfelt thank you for everybody’s love, help and support.”
