Jenson Button has spent his life chasing lap-times – one World Championship, 15 F1 race wins, and 306 Grands Prix. Now, he's slowing down just long enough to write about everything around him. Straight down the pen barrel, welcome to Jenson's Journal. In this second entry, Jenson lifts the lid on what living in Monaco is really like, reveals how to truly celebrate winning the Grand Prix, and tips Fernando for another attempt at completing motorsport's Triple Crown.
Monaco has always felt like its own little world to me. People picture the yachts, the glamour and the nightlife – and that's definitely part of it – but when you live there day to day, you see a completely different side to it as well.
For racing drivers, it becomes part of your life. I lived there for many years throughout my F1 career, and the thing that makes Monaco special even more than the glamour is it's simply a brilliant place to base yourself as a racing driver.
You've got France and Italy right on your doorstep. One minute you're by the sea, the next you're up in the mountains stopping for an espresso somewhere on the Italian border. For drivers, and athletes in general, it's a really good lifestyle.
When I lived in Monaco, I used to see a lot of different sportspeople, including my F1 competitors, and we used to cycle together. We'd start in Monaco, go through France, and into Italy. It was great. And because so many drivers live there, you travel together as well. F1 is very competitive, but Monaco always had this community feel away from the paddock.
Now… I have a lot of memories from Monaco. Too many to mention.
That's the beauty of the place. It always feels alive. Even when the Grand Prix isn't on, there's always something happening whether you're on a yacht, playing tennis, enjoying water sports – there's always an energy.
And when F1 arrives, everything just gets turned up to another level.
Monaco is truly different to every other Grand Prix.
Every win in F1 means something, but Monaco has that extra layer because of the history attached to it; you think about all the greats who've won there over the years.
And you realise very quickly that there's absolutely no margin for error.
Every lap feels intense. People always say Monaco is won on Saturday, and there's definitely truth in that because Qualifying is so important; it can define your whole weekend.
Even so, Sunday is still mentally exhausting. Lap after lap, those barriers feel like they get closer and closer. The circuit almost narrows in on you as the race goes on. There's no opportunity to relax for even half a second, especially when you know you have a chance of victory.
And then when you finally cross the line first…
It's excitement, adrenaline and relief all arriving at once.
What makes Monaco unique is that the whole place celebrates with you. People on balconies, mechanics hanging over the pit wall, fans on yachts in the harbour, grandstands packed everywhere you look.
It feels like the entire Principality becomes part of the podium celebration. It's the best place to celebrate a Grand Prix win.
When I won in 2009, we called the next day 'Super Monday', which meant that we started celebrating at midday Monday, and we went all the way through until late that night. Or very early the next morning depending on how you look at it.
If you're into nightlife, Jimmy'z is hard to beat. I haven't been to a nightclub in years, but Jimmy'z is probably the place to go.
Then there's new restaurants popping up all the time. There are some great steak restaurants, some fantastic Japanese restaurants, and lots of options for healthy eating too. It's a great place to dine no matter your taste.
The Monaco Grand Prix is part of the motorsport Triple Crown alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500. I've completed one leg but I don't envisage getting all three.
I've had a couple of attempts at Le Mans, but winning there hasn't quite happened.
I'd love to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie around Le Mans one day though. Perhaps we can make it happen. It would be my chance to finally drive an Adrian Newey-designed car.
As for the Indy 500? I've got huge respect for those drivers but that's not for me.
Fernando probably has the best shot of anyone at completing the Triple Crown because he's already won Monaco and Le Mans, and he's come close at Indy, having led there. If he wants another go at it, he absolutely has a chance.
Before I close this chapter, I've been thinking back to my first Monaco Grand Prix because another member of the team had quite the impact on it.
My first time racing around Monaco was actually in an F1 car, which is remarkable when I think about it, and that year Pedro and I crashed at the hairpin early in the race.
To this day he still says it was his corner but trying to overtake around the outside of the hairpin was never going to work.
We've had a good laugh reminiscing about that moment and he'll actually feature more in another Jenson's Journal entry later this year. Keep your eyes peeled for that.
In the meantime, I'm ready to be reacquainted with Monte Carlo.
Related content
Jenson's Journal | Entry 01: Japan, Aston Martin, and the little things that stick
Read more
Jenson Button appointed Team Ambassador for Aston Martin Aramco
Read more
Mathilda Paatz reflects on maiden F1 ACADEMY victory
Read more
UNDERCUT | Lance Stroll: "You've got to believe through the difficult periods"
Read more
UNDERCUT | Adrian Newey wants you to keep an open mind
Read more
Monaco: A lap of F1's original street circuit in unparalleled detail
Read moreJenson's Journal
I / AM members get early access to Jenson's Journal. Sign up now to get the next entry delivered direct to your inbox and unlock access to more exclusive content, competitions, and experiences.
2026 Replica Team Kit
Formed with precision, worn with pride. Shop the 2026 collection.
