Jenson Button has been awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The award comes after he secured the 2009 world championship, an honour his team mate, Lewis Hamilton, received after he won the 2008 championship.
Button described the recognition by the Queen and the British public was one of the greatest honours and a significant milestone in his life.
“The last 18 months have been an incredible period in my life,” Jenson commented. “Starting last year facing almost impossible odds, I achieved my childhood dream of winning the Formula 1 World Championship and I’m now driving for one of the greatest teams in the sport.
“To also be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and the British people is the greatest honour I could possibly imagine.
“My whole life in motorsport has been an incredible journey. When I started karting as an 8-year-old boy, I could only dream of racing in Formula 1 or becoming World Champion. Even now, those dreams still feel unbelievable and fantastic to me.
“To visit Buckingham Palace today is another huge step along that journey. To be awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen is a very great honour for me and a significant milestone in my life. Today makes me incredibly proud to be British and to be able represent my country on the world’s stage.
“Being Formula 1 World Champion, and receiving the MBE today, carries with it great responsibility that I am proud to take on and uphold.”
