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Jenson Button: Life to the Limit: My Autobiography
Jenson Button is one of the greatest racing drivers of his generation. His 17 years in Formula 1 have seen him experience everything from nursing underpowered cars around the track to winning World Championships and everything in between. 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 often hidden world of Formula 1. He reveals his relationships with some of the biggest names in Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso as well some of the most colorful characters like Flavio Briatore, Ron Dennis, Frank Williams and serial winner Ross Brawn. Above all, he puts you right inside the cockpit, in the driving seat, traveling 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.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
199 people are currently reading
2585 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
October 31, 2017
My GoodReads folks may not know this, but I am a massive Formula 1 fan. I have been watching since mid-2005, and despite the fact Fernando Alonso hasn't won a thing for what seems like donkeys years, and I hate the fact only one team seems to win at the moment (or one driver *side eyes at Bottas*), I still watch it. There's something about the sport that keeps me coming back, even when I get furious and say I'm never going to watch another race, ever. Rest assured, I will watch the next race.
One of the drivers I've always admired is Jenson Button. I remember his first race win (Fernando was leading until his car broke), I remember the Brawn-era. But most of all I remember John Button, Jenson's dad. He was at all the races, you couldn't see one without the other being somewhere nearby (except when Jenson was ACTUALLY racing, and John was obviously in the garage). And while Life to the Limits may well be Jenson Button's story, it's mostly about John Button. Everything about Jenson and John's relationship shines through each and every page, when F1 was but a pipe dream for the Buttons. Even I still miss seeing John at races, so I totally understand why, after his death, Jenson just didn't have the heart for it.
Life to the Limits, in Jenson's own words, isn't just about his F1 glory days - it's about the trials and tribulations it took to get there. I knew a lot of his F1 stuff - from 2005-onwards, his Championship winning year, the McLaren years, because I've been there, seen that. It's the before I knew nothing of - how much blood, sweat and tears went into getting Jenson where he is today. It's such a fascinating read and it helped build up my admiration for Jenson more. He truly does seem to be the nice guy of F1 - it's not an act, it's just who he is, how he was brought up.
This is the perfect read for any F1 fan. I personally loved it. It's just made me love Jenson Button even more than I did, and I can't wait to see what comes next for him not that his Formula One journey is over.
One of the drivers I've always admired is Jenson Button. I remember his first race win (Fernando was leading until his car broke), I remember the Brawn-era. But most of all I remember John Button, Jenson's dad. He was at all the races, you couldn't see one without the other being somewhere nearby (except when Jenson was ACTUALLY racing, and John was obviously in the garage). And while Life to the Limits may well be Jenson Button's story, it's mostly about John Button. Everything about Jenson and John's relationship shines through each and every page, when F1 was but a pipe dream for the Buttons. Even I still miss seeing John at races, so I totally understand why, after his death, Jenson just didn't have the heart for it.
Life to the Limits, in Jenson's own words, isn't just about his F1 glory days - it's about the trials and tribulations it took to get there. I knew a lot of his F1 stuff - from 2005-onwards, his Championship winning year, the McLaren years, because I've been there, seen that. It's the before I knew nothing of - how much blood, sweat and tears went into getting Jenson where he is today. It's such a fascinating read and it helped build up my admiration for Jenson more. He truly does seem to be the nice guy of F1 - it's not an act, it's just who he is, how he was brought up.
This is the perfect read for any F1 fan. I personally loved it. It's just made me love Jenson Button even more than I did, and I can't wait to see what comes next for him not that his Formula One journey is over.
January 19, 2022
Tipikus sportolói önéletrajz.
Igazából nem nagoyn szeretem ezt a műfajt, mert többnyire úgyis szellemírók írják meg több-kevesebb ügyességgel, ami részben elhitelteleníti a művet, részben pedig érdektelen sztorikkal fújják fel. Akkor már inkább Forma-1 kapcsán is olvasom a külső nézőpontos könyveket, mint például Christopher Hilton klasszikusait a különböző pilótákról.
Kevés sportágot nézek lelkesen, a Forma-1 az egyik (a foci a másik), és annak ellenére, hogy megértem azokat, akik fanyalognak, hogy egy ilyen unalmas sportágra hogyan lehet olyan sok időt pazarolni. És nem tudok nekik olykor nem igazat adni, hiszen mostanság azért akadnak „dominancia-korszakok”, mint például az idei évig bezárólag a Mercedesé, előtte a Red Bullé, kicsivel előtte meg a Ferrarié, ezek pedig néha nekem is unalmas versenyeket produkáltak.
Mikor felmerült, hogy a Molyklubra olvasni kellene egy önéletrajzot, akkor tudtam, hogy ez egy Forma-1-es sportolóé lesz, és a meglévők közül Jenson Buttonéra esett a választásom.
Pedig sosem voltam igazából Button-szurkoló. Először megjegyeztem a nevét, mint egy fiatal tehetségét, aki aztán beleszürkült a mezőnybe. A váratlanul megnyert 2009-es világbajnokság után azt gondoltam, hogy ilyen gyenge világbajnokból sem akadt túl sok, de azóta azért Button megmutatta, hogy össze lehet mérni a legjobbakkal.
Leginkább azt szerettem benne, hogy azok közé tartozott, aki meg tudott tervezni egy versenytávot. Sosem volt elég gyors egy körön, az időmérőkön rendre megverték, de azért az árulkodó tény, hogy amíg csapattársak voltak a McLarennél, addig összességében több pontot gyűjtött, mint a sportág jelenlegi királya, Lewis Hamilton (bár ez a többlet egy szezonban alakult ki igazából).
Maga a könyv igazából átlagosan érdekes, se pro, se kontra nem tudnék nagyon kiemelni semmit. Legfeljebb néhány momentumot, ami vagy érdekes, vagy nem. Például a szellemíró neve lemaradt a kötetről, ami fura. Button azon kevés sportoló közé tartozik, akiben látok annyi intelligenciát, hogy akár meg is tudjon írni egy könyvet, de a szöveg pont annyira egyensúlyoz a pallérozottabb megfogalmazás és a kissé egyszerű mondatsorok között, hogy a képzeletbeli pacsit inkább a szellemírónak adjam. Ami még kiderül belőle, hogy bár Button maga azt írja, hogy nem volt az a tipikus bulizós playboy, ehhez képest tucatnyi piálós sztori van benne. Az is tetszett, ahogy az életútból kiderül, hogy a tehetség ugyan egy dolog, de az, hogy rengeteg mindent megtanítottak neki az ideális tapadásról, az autó egyensúlyáról és sok mindenről fiatalkorában, az rengeteget számított. És persze ott van az édesapjához fűződő viszonya, amit nehéz nem sorsdöntő jelentőségűnek tekinteni, nemcsak a fiának nyújtott folyamatos lelki támogatás miatt, hanem azért is, mert kezdetben elég sok kaput meg tudott nyitni neki a pályafutásában. És persze akadnak elhallgatások, valahogy a szülei rossz viszonyáról, a válásukról, az édesanyjáról kevesebb szó esik, ahogy az első menedzsere is „fehér folt” marad a történetében. Cserébe viszont a győzelmeinek vagy az érzéseinek a visszhangja szépen kiolvasható, ahogy néhány olyan apróbb momentum, amelyre kevésbé volt felkészülve (pl. a sajtó szerepe).
Button-rajongóknak vélhetően kötelező olvasmány. :)
Igazából nem nagoyn szeretem ezt a műfajt, mert többnyire úgyis szellemírók írják meg több-kevesebb ügyességgel, ami részben elhitelteleníti a művet, részben pedig érdektelen sztorikkal fújják fel. Akkor már inkább Forma-1 kapcsán is olvasom a külső nézőpontos könyveket, mint például Christopher Hilton klasszikusait a különböző pilótákról.
Kevés sportágot nézek lelkesen, a Forma-1 az egyik (a foci a másik), és annak ellenére, hogy megértem azokat, akik fanyalognak, hogy egy ilyen unalmas sportágra hogyan lehet olyan sok időt pazarolni. És nem tudok nekik olykor nem igazat adni, hiszen mostanság azért akadnak „dominancia-korszakok”, mint például az idei évig bezárólag a Mercedesé, előtte a Red Bullé, kicsivel előtte meg a Ferrarié, ezek pedig néha nekem is unalmas versenyeket produkáltak.
Mikor felmerült, hogy a Molyklubra olvasni kellene egy önéletrajzot, akkor tudtam, hogy ez egy Forma-1-es sportolóé lesz, és a meglévők közül Jenson Buttonéra esett a választásom.
Pedig sosem voltam igazából Button-szurkoló. Először megjegyeztem a nevét, mint egy fiatal tehetségét, aki aztán beleszürkült a mezőnybe. A váratlanul megnyert 2009-es világbajnokság után azt gondoltam, hogy ilyen gyenge világbajnokból sem akadt túl sok, de azóta azért Button megmutatta, hogy össze lehet mérni a legjobbakkal.
Leginkább azt szerettem benne, hogy azok közé tartozott, aki meg tudott tervezni egy versenytávot. Sosem volt elég gyors egy körön, az időmérőkön rendre megverték, de azért az árulkodó tény, hogy amíg csapattársak voltak a McLarennél, addig összességében több pontot gyűjtött, mint a sportág jelenlegi királya, Lewis Hamilton (bár ez a többlet egy szezonban alakult ki igazából).
Maga a könyv igazából átlagosan érdekes, se pro, se kontra nem tudnék nagyon kiemelni semmit. Legfeljebb néhány momentumot, ami vagy érdekes, vagy nem. Például a szellemíró neve lemaradt a kötetről, ami fura. Button azon kevés sportoló közé tartozik, akiben látok annyi intelligenciát, hogy akár meg is tudjon írni egy könyvet, de a szöveg pont annyira egyensúlyoz a pallérozottabb megfogalmazás és a kissé egyszerű mondatsorok között, hogy a képzeletbeli pacsit inkább a szellemírónak adjam. Ami még kiderül belőle, hogy bár Button maga azt írja, hogy nem volt az a tipikus bulizós playboy, ehhez képest tucatnyi piálós sztori van benne. Az is tetszett, ahogy az életútból kiderül, hogy a tehetség ugyan egy dolog, de az, hogy rengeteg mindent megtanítottak neki az ideális tapadásról, az autó egyensúlyáról és sok mindenről fiatalkorában, az rengeteget számított. És persze ott van az édesapjához fűződő viszonya, amit nehéz nem sorsdöntő jelentőségűnek tekinteni, nemcsak a fiának nyújtott folyamatos lelki támogatás miatt, hanem azért is, mert kezdetben elég sok kaput meg tudott nyitni neki a pályafutásában. És persze akadnak elhallgatások, valahogy a szülei rossz viszonyáról, a válásukról, az édesanyjáról kevesebb szó esik, ahogy az első menedzsere is „fehér folt” marad a történetében. Cserébe viszont a győzelmeinek vagy az érzéseinek a visszhangja szépen kiolvasható, ahogy néhány olyan apróbb momentum, amelyre kevésbé volt felkészülve (pl. a sajtó szerepe).
Button-rajongóknak vélhetően kötelező olvasmány. :)
January 25, 2022
I'm not usually one to leave reviews and my eyesight is still foggy from all the crying but I had to write this one. Jenson is one of my all time favourite F1 drivers so reading this book was a no brainer. I loved reading about his childhood, what made him fall in love with the sport and how his relationship with it changed over the years. I loved to get to know his thoughts on some of the most famous people in the business. I surely scratched my head during the most technical parts of the book, while loving it. But, most of all, I loved reading about the constant that his Dad was. His stories brought me to tears multiple times and you can feel how much Jenson loves him through his words. The memories he tells tugged at my heartstrings and, yes, made me a little sad, but I loved getting to know the character he was. This book feels like a homage to him and I don't think it could've been done in a better way. Bravo.
April 7, 2021
Me gusto mucho la parte donde habla del grande *me pongo de pie* LEWIS HAMILTON. Na, igual estuvo interesante
November 12, 2017
I’ve always had a soft spot for JB. It may sound a strange thing to say about a former world champion but I’ve never felt he got the respect he deserved so I was interested to see what he’d have to say. While he may be being a bit diplomatic at times, you can hear his voice through the book, it doesn’t sound ghost written, it feels like his words put on paper.
While this is Jensons book, it’s really the story of two men, JB and his dad. His love and respect for the old man as he calls him shines through the book, even when they are at the lowest ebb, and he does reach some low spots. Starting off in his karting days, when he and his dad would travel the length of the county competing. Sometimes sleeping in the back of the van, up through the formulas until he finally hits F1, the pinnacle of his sport. He goes through his career up until the point he decides to retire, taking in his final swan song at Monaco.
While he is very open about his relationship with his dad, several other relationships are glossed over. He’s obviously decided that this will be a racing autobiography, which is his decision, but it does seem to close off him as a person slightly. Saying that his relationships within F1 do get some attention. His time with Villeneuve and Hamilton comes in for some criticism, and I think it’s fair to say that Flavio won’t be getting Christmas cards from him, however he’s also open enough to admit where he’s at fault.
The one obvious omission is the manoeuvring to get him out of the Williams contract, dealt with in a couple of paragraphs, which is the one thing that I would have liked to have seen expanded.
All in however, this is a personal love letter, to his father, and to the sport that he loved.
While this is Jensons book, it’s really the story of two men, JB and his dad. His love and respect for the old man as he calls him shines through the book, even when they are at the lowest ebb, and he does reach some low spots. Starting off in his karting days, when he and his dad would travel the length of the county competing. Sometimes sleeping in the back of the van, up through the formulas until he finally hits F1, the pinnacle of his sport. He goes through his career up until the point he decides to retire, taking in his final swan song at Monaco.
While he is very open about his relationship with his dad, several other relationships are glossed over. He’s obviously decided that this will be a racing autobiography, which is his decision, but it does seem to close off him as a person slightly. Saying that his relationships within F1 do get some attention. His time with Villeneuve and Hamilton comes in for some criticism, and I think it’s fair to say that Flavio won’t be getting Christmas cards from him, however he’s also open enough to admit where he’s at fault.
The one obvious omission is the manoeuvring to get him out of the Williams contract, dealt with in a couple of paragraphs, which is the one thing that I would have liked to have seen expanded.
All in however, this is a personal love letter, to his father, and to the sport that he loved.
January 25, 2018
If you know me at all, you will know that there’s two things I absolutely adore. Books and Formula 1. Books and reading have been a life-long love of mine, ever since I was too young to remember. Formula 1 is a relatively new crush, having only been introduced to it really within the last 3 years but 3 years could easily be 33 because I have enveloped myself in Formula 1 ever since my boyfriend introduced me to it and I’ve wanted to watch and learn and read everything I can about it. Now, I never miss a race, I could tell you the World Champion each year for the last 50 years more or less and I love a good Formula 1 documentary. But a Formula 1 book? That’s what I’m here for.
I’ve recently read and reviewed Mark Webber‘s autobiography and Damon Hill‘s and I loved both of them. So when I heard that Jenson’s was coming out, it went straight to the top of my Christmas list. And as it happens, Santa popped it under my tree and before the Boxing Day turkey curry had even been cooked, I’d already started it. I’ve always liked Jenson, he’s very intelligent and great to listen to. He’s fun and likable and I was certainly a bit sad to see him leave Formula 1. But this book captures JB in the most literal sense. It’s so very “Jenson”.
I’ve always loved Jenson’s sarcastic, British sense of humor and that oozes out of this book. On multiple occasions, my boyfriend and I found ourselves laughing hysterically at something he’d said, the way he describes things (and sometimes himself!) and the way he also takes the mick out of things too. Again, mostly himself. Above everything, Jenson came across as a real, genuine bloke in his book – despite the money, the fame, the swanky boats and houses and cars – if you met him in a pub for a curry on a Tuesday night, you’d have a right laugh.
As with all the Formula 1 books I’ve read, this one was also as eye-opening. The stuff you don’t hear about at the time all comes to light in autobiographies when enough time has passed that nobody will care anymore (hopefully) and I learnt a lot about what went on within his teams, with his teammates and especially with his team managers. Naming no names, some of them were complete arseholes, to a young man who was working hard and just trying to make his dream a reality, for God’s sake.
There was an emotional chapter in which Jenson talks about his dad’s death and what happened the night he died. Although very hard-hitting, it was also an exceptionally eye-opening chapter on the basis that I firmly believed his dad had died of a heart attack. My boyfriend did too. But he didn’t – not even close. I don’t know where I might have got that piece of information from, probably some form of social media? Or maybe it was ignorant assumption because I knew from seeing it on TV and what I had read throughout the rest of this book that his dad liked a drink and a cigarette. Whatever the case, it really showed me that despite how famous the person you’re reading about is, the media and what’s portrayed on TV and online can really get in your head and warp your judgement.
My only niggle is that it needed a little more editing. I noticed numerous grammar mistakes and the occasional missing word which I’m not going to mark the book down on because obviously it’s not Jenson’s fault. Apart from that, an absolute must read for any Formula 1 or Jenson Button fan. Despite it being about 350 pages long, it’s a quick and easy read. The chapters are short and snappy – which I LOVE – it’s straight to the point, funny, sad and refreshing. A wonderful read that’ll grab you from the very first page.
Find all my book reviews here: www.jennyinneverland.com
I’ve recently read and reviewed Mark Webber‘s autobiography and Damon Hill‘s and I loved both of them. So when I heard that Jenson’s was coming out, it went straight to the top of my Christmas list. And as it happens, Santa popped it under my tree and before the Boxing Day turkey curry had even been cooked, I’d already started it. I’ve always liked Jenson, he’s very intelligent and great to listen to. He’s fun and likable and I was certainly a bit sad to see him leave Formula 1. But this book captures JB in the most literal sense. It’s so very “Jenson”.
I’ve always loved Jenson’s sarcastic, British sense of humor and that oozes out of this book. On multiple occasions, my boyfriend and I found ourselves laughing hysterically at something he’d said, the way he describes things (and sometimes himself!) and the way he also takes the mick out of things too. Again, mostly himself. Above everything, Jenson came across as a real, genuine bloke in his book – despite the money, the fame, the swanky boats and houses and cars – if you met him in a pub for a curry on a Tuesday night, you’d have a right laugh.
As with all the Formula 1 books I’ve read, this one was also as eye-opening. The stuff you don’t hear about at the time all comes to light in autobiographies when enough time has passed that nobody will care anymore (hopefully) and I learnt a lot about what went on within his teams, with his teammates and especially with his team managers. Naming no names, some of them were complete arseholes, to a young man who was working hard and just trying to make his dream a reality, for God’s sake.
There was an emotional chapter in which Jenson talks about his dad’s death and what happened the night he died. Although very hard-hitting, it was also an exceptionally eye-opening chapter on the basis that I firmly believed his dad had died of a heart attack. My boyfriend did too. But he didn’t – not even close. I don’t know where I might have got that piece of information from, probably some form of social media? Or maybe it was ignorant assumption because I knew from seeing it on TV and what I had read throughout the rest of this book that his dad liked a drink and a cigarette. Whatever the case, it really showed me that despite how famous the person you’re reading about is, the media and what’s portrayed on TV and online can really get in your head and warp your judgement.
My only niggle is that it needed a little more editing. I noticed numerous grammar mistakes and the occasional missing word which I’m not going to mark the book down on because obviously it’s not Jenson’s fault. Apart from that, an absolute must read for any Formula 1 or Jenson Button fan. Despite it being about 350 pages long, it’s a quick and easy read. The chapters are short and snappy – which I LOVE – it’s straight to the point, funny, sad and refreshing. A wonderful read that’ll grab you from the very first page.
Find all my book reviews here: www.jennyinneverland.com
October 28, 2017
As a huge fan of Jenson Button's I was really looking forward to reading this book and it obviously didn't disappoint. Jenson gives a great insight into the world of Formula 1 and the circus that surrounds it. But not only that you get a look into his life growing up and as he moved through the ranks of Motorsport. There is also a couple of touching chapters that play tribute to his late father and how the impact of losing him shook Jenson to the core.
There is a bit of technical talk, so it does help to be a fan of F1. But seeing as you would be reading an autobiography of an F1 driver, then chances are you are a fan. If you are, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this book.
There is a bit of technical talk, so it does help to be a fan of F1. But seeing as you would be reading an autobiography of an F1 driver, then chances are you are a fan. If you are, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this book.
April 30, 2019
My love of F1 combined with reading couldn’t have asked for anything better! Loved getting to know JB better and an insight into the life of an F1 driver. Goes through so many highs and lows and thoroughly engaging throughout. Would highly recommend even if your not a fan of JB / F1. Loved listening to it on audio and even though it’s not read by JB he writes the exact same way he talks so his distinct voice is still there.
Read
January 23, 2025I'M FREE!!! I'M FREE!!! honestly didn't learn much, but it was a pretty fun read anyway! there are some quotes that made me go "HUH⁉️" because well. i've read this book recently, but it was written in 2017-ish. so yeah, hindsight and what not. otherwise, a solid read.
August 1, 2022
"You arrive with dreams, you leave with memories"
I never ever expected the golden boy of Formula 1 to be so relatable. "Finding my peace starts with a shot of coffee." Same Jenson same. This book captured the essence of Formula 1 in great detail and if you're a massive fan like me, you'll learn so much from it.
The engineering behind making the cars and suiting them to the driver's needs, the physics following getting off the accelerator and reaching top speed, why you don't overtake on straights unless you get a good exit from a corner etc.
I learnt a shit ton of new things like the fact that Lewis Hamilton won a championship off one of Jenson's dad's engines and that Jenson was temporary teammates with Max Verstappen's mother.
In the words of Jenson "one of the things I love most about motorsport - you're always learning, always having to adapt and develop." I discovered that the wing on an F1 car operates like the wing on an aero plane except it does the opposite and that aerodynamic grip is better generated the faster you go.
I've always appreciated Jenson's sarcastic witty British humor. This book exposed so much stuff you don't hear about at the time and I learnt a lot about what went on within his teams, with his teammates (Jenson really spilled the tea when it came to Lewis) and especially with his team managers. Some of them were complete a-holes, to a young man who was working hard and just trying to make his dream a reality. Prime example is Flavio Briatore, director of Benetton at the time told the press that he thought Jenson was a lazy playboy and he looked as though he was driving around Monaco looking for an apartment to buy. THE VIOLATION IS IT NECESSARY??? NO
I also had no idea that Daniel Ricciardo made Partick Stewart and Gerard Butler do a shoey which is bloody brilliant.
The chapter with him talking about his dad's death was truly heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes.
All in all, I really loved this book.
I never ever expected the golden boy of Formula 1 to be so relatable. "Finding my peace starts with a shot of coffee." Same Jenson same. This book captured the essence of Formula 1 in great detail and if you're a massive fan like me, you'll learn so much from it.
The engineering behind making the cars and suiting them to the driver's needs, the physics following getting off the accelerator and reaching top speed, why you don't overtake on straights unless you get a good exit from a corner etc.
I learnt a shit ton of new things like the fact that Lewis Hamilton won a championship off one of Jenson's dad's engines and that Jenson was temporary teammates with Max Verstappen's mother.
In the words of Jenson "one of the things I love most about motorsport - you're always learning, always having to adapt and develop." I discovered that the wing on an F1 car operates like the wing on an aero plane except it does the opposite and that aerodynamic grip is better generated the faster you go.
I've always appreciated Jenson's sarcastic witty British humor. This book exposed so much stuff you don't hear about at the time and I learnt a lot about what went on within his teams, with his teammates (Jenson really spilled the tea when it came to Lewis) and especially with his team managers. Some of them were complete a-holes, to a young man who was working hard and just trying to make his dream a reality. Prime example is Flavio Briatore, director of Benetton at the time told the press that he thought Jenson was a lazy playboy and he looked as though he was driving around Monaco looking for an apartment to buy. THE VIOLATION IS IT NECESSARY??? NO
I also had no idea that Daniel Ricciardo made Partick Stewart and Gerard Butler do a shoey which is bloody brilliant.
The chapter with him talking about his dad's death was truly heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes.
All in all, I really loved this book.
October 15, 2022
Great book started reading then didn’t put it down. F1 has changed so much since his racing era.
Read
September 28, 2024really good read!! has a good balance of personal life and professional life, writing sounds exactly like the way he talks, and explained the technical car stuff simple enough for even me to understand! unfortunately did not have his famous line of being an "industrious and highly committed playboy" but he did still dedicate an entire chapter to defending himself about briatore's insult
January 20, 2020
This was a strange choice for me as I am not a fan of F1 but I am interested in the stories of sportsmen/women. I have seen Jenson Button being interviewed and thought he was very funny so after reading the reviews I decided to try it. I have given it 3 stars but this is a good 3, not disappointing 3. I enjoyed it from the beginning, how he got into racing, his relationship with his dad and with Lewis Hamilton. I did find myself drifting a little when he was describing the races in the second half of the book, but I was mostly interested. As other reviews have said, you don’t have to be a fan of F1 to enjoy this.
October 16, 2024
As a person who’s grown up with Formula 1 always being around them but also not following the sport thoroughly, the name Jenson Button was never unfamiliar. I mean even if you haven’t watched Formula 1, there is no way you haven’t heard this man’s name. But here we are, almost a decade later, I finally mustered the enthusiasm to read about the infamous ex McLaren driver.
I didn’t go into the book with any sorts of expectations and I am glad I didn’t, because I feel like it would’ve spoiled the experience.
“Life to the limit” is a strangely funny, deeply emotional, and a heartfelt letter to Formula 1. It is also the story of a (to a certain level) mundane British boy who happens to have fuel and passion in his blood from a very young age.
The story gave insight on Formula 1 I haven’t been aware about until now, simply because I haven’t followed the races around the time the story in “life to the limit” takes place. It also shows you a very vulnerable and human Jenson, which for a lot of people would come across as a strange concept, given the fact that racing drivers are being perceived and worshiped as gods and not to mundane humans. It touches on topics such as grief, happiness, crossroads, mechanical technicalities, and so on.
If you’re looking for a fast paced read that would keep you on your toes every page you turn, this is the book for you. Now I understand why people speak so highly of Jenson and his accomplishments. What an icon.
I didn’t go into the book with any sorts of expectations and I am glad I didn’t, because I feel like it would’ve spoiled the experience.
“Life to the limit” is a strangely funny, deeply emotional, and a heartfelt letter to Formula 1. It is also the story of a (to a certain level) mundane British boy who happens to have fuel and passion in his blood from a very young age.
The story gave insight on Formula 1 I haven’t been aware about until now, simply because I haven’t followed the races around the time the story in “life to the limit” takes place. It also shows you a very vulnerable and human Jenson, which for a lot of people would come across as a strange concept, given the fact that racing drivers are being perceived and worshiped as gods and not to mundane humans. It touches on topics such as grief, happiness, crossroads, mechanical technicalities, and so on.
If you’re looking for a fast paced read that would keep you on your toes every page you turn, this is the book for you. Now I understand why people speak so highly of Jenson and his accomplishments. What an icon.
April 24, 2024
Class book, good read for a casual reader
December 6, 2024
This was a really fun read and felt quite heartwarming all around. Some highlights
* feel good bits: everything about John Button really hit me in the feelings. Barrichello being a good sport at the Brazil 2009 GP. Going out of his way to say nice things about the work the pit crew do. Everything about racing as fun — you can tell JB 1) loved his job and 2) had a way more healthier approach to it than most elite athletes. Canada 2011 is also a highlight.
* THE BEEFS: Not mincing words about early 2010s Sebastian Vettel's various on-track crimes and Lewis Hamilton's sore loser spots, all of it in a very good natured way. Briatore slander (not good natured at all). Gleefully talking shit about Richard Branson. That time JB met Keke Rosberg as a teenager and was annoyed Nico Rosberg was also there, and decided to be annoyed at him despite Nico being thirteen.
* When he mentions being karting teammates with Max Verstappen's mother and is briefly horrified by the concept of time passing. Speaking of Verstappen: “If the press [want to hear something controversial], sorry you’ll have to wait for Max if you want that.”
* Monaco 2009 and describing in vivid, amused details, how he dragged Prince Albert to go clubbing after the formal black tie dinner and “Prince Albert has got moves” apparently. Good to know.
* feel good bits: everything about John Button really hit me in the feelings. Barrichello being a good sport at the Brazil 2009 GP. Going out of his way to say nice things about the work the pit crew do. Everything about racing as fun — you can tell JB 1) loved his job and 2) had a way more healthier approach to it than most elite athletes. Canada 2011 is also a highlight.
* THE BEEFS: Not mincing words about early 2010s Sebastian Vettel's various on-track crimes and Lewis Hamilton's sore loser spots, all of it in a very good natured way. Briatore slander (not good natured at all). Gleefully talking shit about Richard Branson. That time JB met Keke Rosberg as a teenager and was annoyed Nico Rosberg was also there, and decided to be annoyed at him despite Nico being thirteen.
* When he mentions being karting teammates with Max Verstappen's mother and is briefly horrified by the concept of time passing. Speaking of Verstappen: “If the press [want to hear something controversial], sorry you’ll have to wait for Max if you want that.”
* Monaco 2009 and describing in vivid, amused details, how he dragged Prince Albert to go clubbing after the formal black tie dinner and “Prince Albert has got moves” apparently. Good to know.
March 9, 2018
Loved it didn't want the book to end. Jenson was my favourite driver since 2004. I have fallen out of love with F1 even before he retired, so reading this reminded me of the exciting years, where fortnightly on a Sunday it was race day.
I'm always scared to read a book on someone you like, it can mean the end when you get an insight, but not this time - still a top chap.
I'm always scared to read a book on someone you like, it can mean the end when you get an insight, but not this time - still a top chap.
July 31, 2022
Jenson Button, personnage dont je me moquais, je le classais comme un pilote très en retrait, peu ouvert et très peu intéressant. C'est un pilote dont la presse ne parle pas ou du moins plus. Pour moi c'était le mec qui avait gagné un championnat sur un coup de génie de Ross Brawn, et c'était tout.
Mais enfait non. Button est visiblement un des pilotes ayant du le plus d'expérience et une des carrières les plus riches de l'histoire, ayant combattu auprès des plus forts et les ayant battu d'ailleurs (même F.Alonso ça me fait mal de l'admettre).
J'ai vraiment apprécié découvrir l'histoire poignante de Button et l'évolution de sa motivation à escalader les pilliers du sport automobile avec son père. J'ai vraiment appris beaucoup que ce soit dans la technique des monoplaces, certains systèmes exclusifs à la catégorie de Formule 1, certaines normes, le rapport avec la presse, les relations entre pilotes, le détail de certaines saisons, des anecdotes croustillantes sous alcools..
Jenson Button est devenu facilement l'un de mes pilotes préférés.
Mais enfait non. Button est visiblement un des pilotes ayant du le plus d'expérience et une des carrières les plus riches de l'histoire, ayant combattu auprès des plus forts et les ayant battu d'ailleurs (même F.Alonso ça me fait mal de l'admettre).
J'ai vraiment apprécié découvrir l'histoire poignante de Button et l'évolution de sa motivation à escalader les pilliers du sport automobile avec son père. J'ai vraiment appris beaucoup que ce soit dans la technique des monoplaces, certains systèmes exclusifs à la catégorie de Formule 1, certaines normes, le rapport avec la presse, les relations entre pilotes, le détail de certaines saisons, des anecdotes croustillantes sous alcools..
Jenson Button est devenu facilement l'un de mes pilotes préférés.
December 11, 2021
Formułę 1 śledzę od lat i każdą okazję, by dowiedzieć się więcej o kulisach motorsportu i rywalizacji zawodników oraz konstruktorów przyjmuję z otwartymi ramionami. Po gigantycznym rozczarowaniu, jakim była publikacja Davida Coultharda, z nieco większą ostrożnością sięgnąłem po książkę Jensona Buttona. Tym razem tak źle nie było – brytyjski kierowca rzeczywiście poświęcił swoją autobiografię na opis kariery i wspominki. O ile o samym Jensonie, jego początkach w wyścigach, późniejszych sukcesach i porażkach, spostrzeżeniach i wnioskach można dowiedzieć się co nieco, o tyle niestety niewiele znajdziemy tam zakulisowych ciekawostek o F1. Można wręcz pomyśleć, że dla kierowców kolejne wyścigi, choćby nie wiem jak szalone, są po prostu następnym punktem w kalendarzu, który tylko pobieżnie zapisuje się w pamięci. Jenson przelatuje przez kolejne sezony rywalizacji w błyskawicznym tempie, wyścigi wspomina w dwu lub trzy zdaniowych podsumowaniach i w praktyce pozwala poznać tylko siebie i sport z pewnego bezpiecznego dystansu. Nie jest to biografia wyczerpująca i książka porywająca, a lekka i przyjemna lektura dla fanów talentu Brytyjczyka i samej Formuły 1. Tylko nie oczekujcie od niej zbyt wiele.
December 10, 2023
rating: 5 out of 5 stars
this was highly entertaining and very enjoyable. as a big fan of formula 1, i loved reading this a lot. just a very fun and easy book to read. i won’t lie, i did tear up a bit at the end. although i didn’t watch formula 1 at the time he was racing and have only seen him race through replays, jenson button is a driver i have much respect for. from the little bits of his personality we get to see of him as a commentator for sky sports, he is such an endearing person. you can see how much he loves racing and motorsport and that really shines through in this book. the way he talks about his passion and love for racing is something so special. overall, i would highly recommend this to any f1 fan and had a great time reading this.
this was highly entertaining and very enjoyable. as a big fan of formula 1, i loved reading this a lot. just a very fun and easy book to read. i won’t lie, i did tear up a bit at the end. although i didn’t watch formula 1 at the time he was racing and have only seen him race through replays, jenson button is a driver i have much respect for. from the little bits of his personality we get to see of him as a commentator for sky sports, he is such an endearing person. you can see how much he loves racing and motorsport and that really shines through in this book. the way he talks about his passion and love for racing is something so special. overall, i would highly recommend this to any f1 fan and had a great time reading this.
March 8, 2024
A PROPER autobiography! Well written, well organized, enticing, informative, all-around great. Jenson Button explains racing in a way that doesn’t dim the complexity of Motorsport, but helps the common person (me) understand it better. Highly recommend to any formula 1 fan.
Loved seeing how he, specifically, got into Motorsport, the process of that, and his own learning process of the sport. Fun seeing the stories of the legends alongside Button. The last few chapters made me tear up. His relationship with his dad is so sweet.
I’ll say it again…this is just a proper autobiography. I’m so impressed with this whole novel! (Especially after reading Geunther’s book…but that’s a discussion for another day)
Loved seeing how he, specifically, got into Motorsport, the process of that, and his own learning process of the sport. Fun seeing the stories of the legends alongside Button. The last few chapters made me tear up. His relationship with his dad is so sweet.
I’ll say it again…this is just a proper autobiography. I’m so impressed with this whole novel! (Especially after reading Geunther’s book…but that’s a discussion for another day)
March 10, 2022
Really enjoyable. It's a third about racing, the workings of formula 1 and the people he loves, and 2/3rd about people who wronged him/made a snide comment/were bad teammates/were friendly teammates but were they really/weird team directors, etc. Plenty of anecdotes about that one thing someone did to him and sure, they did apologize since and we're actually good now but let me still tell you about how shitty that was actually! A very bitchy memoir full packed with gossip, god bless
January 30, 2023
An enjoyable read for fans of F1, or fans of sports autobiographies in general. Jenson is a charismatic and likeable character and he does a good job of explaining things in an F1 for Dummies kinda way.
Some fun stories and interesting insights into the teams and team principals he's raced for, and the teammates he's raced against (Lewis in particular).
The book was also a very touching tribute to his late father.
Some fun stories and interesting insights into the teams and team principals he's raced for, and the teammates he's raced against (Lewis in particular).
The book was also a very touching tribute to his late father.
March 26, 2023
Jenson Button is my all time favourite F1 driver, and although this book taught me a lot about the sport and I enjoyed this insight into his life, it just wasn’t written well and took me an age to get through. Granted he’s not an author, but there was a lot of going back and forth between events, mentioning something and going off on a complete tangent, and some stories that didn’t add anything. I would recommend this book if you are interested in Formula 1, but I would preface it by saying it’s not the best written.
April 7, 2023
4 stars. A generally well-written and reasonably objective memoir covering Formula One - it was fun getting to know the personalities of names that I know from the sport. Just the right amount of technical detail, enough for me to go "ooh, I didn't know that" but not too much to overwhelm the narrative. I also liked seeing the relationship between Jenson and his dad grow, they were so sweet together. More thoughts to follow.
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December 15, 2020I love Formula One and I love books – so this one is the perfect match for me.
This was certainly an interesting book! I really loved the insights Jenson gave the reader. It couldn’t quite keep my attention – it was often just a list of his race classifications - but I finished it, nevertheless. The chapters are short, which is something I really love!
I love Jenson’s humour and he’s just such a likeable person. I haven’t actively followed him during his time in Formula One but I love the interview he does for Sky Sports F1.
Definitely recommend it to F1 fans!
This was certainly an interesting book! I really loved the insights Jenson gave the reader. It couldn’t quite keep my attention – it was often just a list of his race classifications - but I finished it, nevertheless. The chapters are short, which is something I really love!
I love Jenson’s humour and he’s just such a likeable person. I haven’t actively followed him during his time in Formula One but I love the interview he does for Sky Sports F1.
Definitely recommend it to F1 fans!
December 18, 2020
I really enjoyed learning somethings about Jenson I never knew and the reminders of races I really enjoyed watching. I have to admit that I heard Jenson's voice in my head, his tone and timbre clearly coming through so I wish he had read it himself but Jack did a wonderful job.
January 29, 2023
Jenson is a very charismatic writer and I really enjoyed reading about his time in F1, it contrasted a lot in style to Mark Webber's book as Jensen focused more on the people in his life than the cars (Mark's book felt way more technical tbh)
May 29, 2018
Very cool book about JB, very under appreciated driver in F1. JB seems like a laugh to hang out with.
November 20, 2021
“It is nice enjoying ziss podium viz you. It iz good”
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