Button, Brawn Clinch Laureus Awards

Although one can hardly believe this, a 30-year old racer was named the Breakthrough Sportsman of the Year during this year's Laureus Awards. Obviously, we're talking about the reigning Formula One champion Jenson Button, who last year clinched his first title in career despite being uncertain of his F1 seat until a few weeks before the start of the championship.

Following Honda's exit from the world of Formula One at the end of 2008, the Brackley based team remained without funds for the 2009 campaign. Eventually, the Japanese manufacturer proceeded to a management buyout towards Ross Brawn, and the new Brawn GP was formed. The team went on to secure both championship titles – drivers and manufacturers – writing one of the most exciting stories in the history of the sport.

“Wow, I think somebody forgot to tell Laureus I'm 30-years-old,” joked Button when receiving the award during the Abu Dhabi gala, according to ESPNF1.

“2009 was a very special year of my life. When I started the season I didn't think I'd actually be racing in Formula One. So to clinch the title with Brawn GP in our first year was a very emotional experience for me, and the team deserve some of the credit for this trophy,” added the reigning world champion.

Additionally, Brawn GP – now rebranded as Mercedes GP – was also handed the Laureus World Team of the Year Award, collected by the team's CEO Nick Fry on behalf of Ross Brawn.

“A year ago we had a team owner that needed to get out of Formula One. We had no sponsors and things looked fairly grim. (...) We all decided to fight. We had no engine, but Mercedes-Benz came to our rescue and provided us with the best engine in Formula One. We ended up winning six of the first seven races and winning the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships,” added Fry.