London, Oct. 19 : Formula One champion Jenson Button first realized his love for speed when he started go-karting at the age of just eight.

Born on 19 January 1980, his natural talent was shown when he won all 34 races of the British Cadet Kart Championship aged 11.

Though he failed his driving test on the first attempt at the age of 17, Button became the youngest Brit F1 driver when he signed for Williams aged 20.

In his second race he became the youngest driver to score a point - at the Brazilian GP. He ended his first season in eighth, reports The Sun.

But his form dipped in 2001 after a move to Benetton. He roared back with Honda and won his first GP in Hungary in August 2006 - after 113 races.

But he called 2007 "a total disaster", with 2008 even worse.

Honda was bought out by Brawn this year - and he had the car to match his ambition.

Winning six of his first seven races, he never looked back.

Off-track Jenson enjoys water sports, cycling, music and skiing.

He is currently dating supermodel Jessica Michibata, 24. (ANI)