F1 icon Jenson Button confronts host live on air - 'I have to pull you up on that'

Jenson Button called out a radio host during a live show after being left frustrated with the way he was introduced. The former F1 driver, who now works as a pundit, will be on the Sky Sports presenting team for this weekend's British Grand Prix. He never managed to win at Silverstone during his F1 career despite being crowned world champion in 2009.

Button appeared on Heart Breakfast on Friday morning to preview the British Grand Prix alongside regular hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston. However, the 45-year-old was not impressed with the way Theakston introduced him to listeners. He immediately stepped in to issue a correction, which made for an awkward moment.

Theakston was tasked with bringing Button into the show, telling the audience: "Joining us now is former F1 world champion, Jenson Button!" Holden then said: "Looking very tanned and chilled. How excited are you ahead of this weekend?"

Button responded: "I'm good. I'm just going to pull you [Theakston] up, though. I'm going to have to pull you up on that. I'm still a world champion. I'm not a former world champion, I'm just not current. It's like the President."

Theakston jokingly asked: "You never let it go?" with Button replying: "Exactly, I'm not letting this go!"

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Button secured his only world title in 2009, driving for Brawn GP. He won six of the first seven races of the season, which was enough to claim the end-of-season honours ahead of team-mate Rubens Barrichello.

At the end of the campaign, Brawn were taken over by Mercedes which led Button to seek a new challenge. He ended up joining McLaren, where he stayed until 2017.

During his radio appearance, Button was also quizzed on his prediction for the British Grand Prix and revealed that he was backing Lando Norris to delight the home crowd.

"I think this weekend we are going to have a lot of action," he said. "Obviously, the McLarens are very quick this year, but I think you've got to throw the Ferraris in the mix. I think Lewis [Hamilton] could be up there, even if he's not got a good car around Silverstone."

Theakston chimed in: "He knows his way round, doesn't he? So, who's going to win?" Button replied: "Probably Lando, but I think Lewis has got a chance."

McLaren are the favourites to prevail at Silverstone this year, given their significant pace advantage over the rest of the field. Max Verstappen will also pose a threat despite Red Bull no longer being the unstoppable force they once were.

Listen to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden weekdays from 06:30 - 10:00 across the UK and on Global Player.