The McLaren-Honda driver revealed on Monday new details of his helmet design. The most noticeable feature is a Papa Smurf figure in honour of his late father, John Button.
A driver’s helmet design is always peculiar and personal. Red, white and blue, with a dragon sketch and Japanese words, Jenson Button’s new helmet is no exception to the rule. Even more so since he added a sketch to honour his father memory.
Papa Smurf is featured on the back of the helmet as a nod to John Button’s nickname. Sadly, John, who was a beloved figure in the paddock and admired for his continuous support of his son – he only missed one race in 14 years of Jenson’s career – passed away in early January last year at the age of 70.
The proud character whose hat features Jenson’s racing number and initials, JB 22, also wears a pink shirt. Pink was John’s lucky colour on racing weekends.
The design is not entirely new since it was already featured on Jenson’s helmet at Silverstone last year. For his first trip to Silverstone without his father, Jenson was wearing a bright pink helmet with the Smurf on the left side, with RIP PAPA written next to it. During that same weekend, pink shirts were also on sale for charity.
Let’s hope the design will be a lucky token for Jenson.
