The 2009 drivers’ world champion remained in Sao Paulo on Sunday night and flew back to the UK in his team-mate Rubens Barrichello’s private jet, before taking part in a Virgin Media PR event at the Bluewater Shopping Centre on Tuesday.
Wednesday was the first opportunity for Button to thank the 400 staff members who are based at the factory in person, but he also expressed his appreciate to those who are no longer working with the team after being laid off following Honda’s departure from the sport.
'I'm really here today to say a massive well done and thank you to everyone at the team,' said Button.
'We've worked so hard for these achievements for so many years.
'Some of us were here from the beginning back in 1998 and I arrived halfway through our journey in 2003 but everyone has put so much work in.
'I know that there have been a lot of very difficult times and over the winter there were times when we didn't think that we would be here at all.
'It's very sad that not everyone can be here who worked on this fantastic car.
'But the team had to become smaller to continue and together we produced a car that has been exceptional this season.'
Button referred to Brawn’s achievements as an incredible feat and a team effort, sending his thanks to ‘the Big Bear’ Ross Brawn.
'To be able to achieve the constructors' and the drivers' championships in our first year, especially after such a difficult winter, is an amazing achievement,' Button said.
'It's been a rollercoaster of emotions.
'The first few races were magnificent.
'It looked like it was a walk in the park but it really wasn't.
'Then we had some difficult races, especially myself but also as a team where we struggled.
'But we fought back hard and when we needed to improve the car, you guys did it.
'Rubens gave us two more wins in Valencia and Monza at an important time to boost our morale and prove just how quick the car was.
'We have a great leader, a fantastic leader, in Ross.
'The Big Bear can't be here today but I know that when he gets back, he'll be celebrating with you.'
And Button went on to reiterate that he and the team are worthy champions, saying that the performance at last weekend's Brazilian grand prix at Interlagos proved this.
'We've fought so hard and a championship season is about achieving the results when you need to. We've had some difficult races but we always did the best job that we could,' said Button.
'We've done what we set out to achieve.
'It really is going to take some time to sink that we are there.
'Celebrating our victories here with you today means so much to me and we are really going to enjoy this moment. Thank you so very much for your amazing contribution to our successes.'
Button will now fly out to Dubai for a few days of relaxation before the inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix from the new, state-of-the-art Jas Marina circuit.
Wednesday was the first opportunity for Button to thank the 400 staff members who are based at the factory in person, but he also expressed his appreciate to those who are no longer working with the team after being laid off following Honda’s departure from the sport.
'I'm really here today to say a massive well done and thank you to everyone at the team,' said Button.
'We've worked so hard for these achievements for so many years.
'Some of us were here from the beginning back in 1998 and I arrived halfway through our journey in 2003 but everyone has put so much work in.
'I know that there have been a lot of very difficult times and over the winter there were times when we didn't think that we would be here at all.
'It's very sad that not everyone can be here who worked on this fantastic car.
'But the team had to become smaller to continue and together we produced a car that has been exceptional this season.'
Button referred to Brawn’s achievements as an incredible feat and a team effort, sending his thanks to ‘the Big Bear’ Ross Brawn.
'To be able to achieve the constructors' and the drivers' championships in our first year, especially after such a difficult winter, is an amazing achievement,' Button said.
'It's been a rollercoaster of emotions.
'The first few races were magnificent.
'It looked like it was a walk in the park but it really wasn't.
'Then we had some difficult races, especially myself but also as a team where we struggled.
'But we fought back hard and when we needed to improve the car, you guys did it.
'Rubens gave us two more wins in Valencia and Monza at an important time to boost our morale and prove just how quick the car was.
'We have a great leader, a fantastic leader, in Ross.
'The Big Bear can't be here today but I know that when he gets back, he'll be celebrating with you.'
And Button went on to reiterate that he and the team are worthy champions, saying that the performance at last weekend's Brazilian grand prix at Interlagos proved this.
'We've fought so hard and a championship season is about achieving the results when you need to. We've had some difficult races but we always did the best job that we could,' said Button.
'We've done what we set out to achieve.
'It really is going to take some time to sink that we are there.
'Celebrating our victories here with you today means so much to me and we are really going to enjoy this moment. Thank you so very much for your amazing contribution to our successes.'
Button will now fly out to Dubai for a few days of relaxation before the inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix from the new, state-of-the-art Jas Marina circuit.
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