Button and Brawn rewarded in the New Year's Honours list

Jenson Button has described receiving the MBE as ‘the crowning glory’ of his year after being honoured in Her Majesty The Queen’s new year’s honours list.

The 29-year-old was recognised for his outstanding contribution to British sport after taking six grand prix victories and winning the 2009 Formula 1 world championship.

Jenson said: “I’m incredibly proud to have joined the likes of Mike Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton as British Formula 1 world champion. But to be recognised by Her Majesty The Queen and the British people is a tremendous honour for me.

“This really is the crowning glory to what has been the most incredible year of my life.

“The past 12 months have provided me with such an exhilarating journey. We literally started with nothing, but had the belief, determination and passion to take on the world and succeed. Everybody at Brawn GP played their part – and it was down to their expertise, dedication and hard work that we were able to achieve so much.

“Many people played a role in my world championship – and in receiving this award, I want to acknowledge and thank them for all their efforts.

“For 2010, I am starting another exciting chapter in my career – and I am already looking forward to representing Great Britain on the world’s sporting stage and successfully defending my world championship.”

This really is the crowning glory to what has been the most incredible year of my life.

– Jenson Button

Ross Brawn will be presented with an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by the Queen. The 55-year-old’s rank, confirmed with the publication of the New Year Honours list on Thursday, is in honour of his 30 years of service to motor sport, culminating in his Brawn GP team winning both drivers’ and constructors’ world championships.

Brawn said, “I am surprised and delighted to receive the award.”

“Receiving this award is a great personal honour for me,” added Brawn, “However, it is only through the dedication and commitment of the many talented people I have worked with and the unstinting support of my family which have led to this award.

“I am very grateful to everyone involved and pleased that the achievements of everyone at Brawn have been recognised in this way.”

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton was awarded the same chivalry rank as Button in last year’s New Year’s Honours list.