While most of us use time away from work to relax, Jenson Button prefers to indulge in extreme fitness events.
Last weekend he competed in a triathlon in Australia, along with girlfriend Jessica Michibata. Button completed the course in 61 minutes, while Michibata, who was raising money for a United Nations refugee charity in her native Japan, finished her first such event in an impressive 86 minutes.
"Some people use Formula 1's winter season as a time to wind down, but I love to compete," Button admitted. "It's fantastic to be able to stay competitive while also working on my fitness by taking part in the Rockingham Triathlon."
Jenson Button will be among 800 competitors lining up for the next week’s City of Rockingham Triathlon in Western Australia.
Organisers have confirmed the participation of the 2009 Formula 1 World champion, who will compete alongside his girlfriend, Japanese model Jessica Michibata.
The course consists of a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run and according to organisers, Button competes in triathlons as part of his off-season fitness regime.
“Some people use Formula 1’s winter season as a time to wind down, but I love to compete,” said Button who has competed in the London Triathlon for the past two years.
“So it’s fantastic to be able to stay competitive while also working on my fitness by taking part in the Rockingham Triathlon.”
The City of Rockingham Triathlon takes place on Sunday, 19 December 19.
Jenson Button has admitted to being a far happier man now he is back in the arms of his girlfriend.
Button recently rekindled his relationship with Jessica Michibata, the Argentinian-Japanese lingerie model, after two months apart.
The World Champion revealed at last week's German Grand Prix that his time away from Michibata had made him realise he had made a mistake in splitting from her.
Today, ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Michibata was back in the McLaren brand centre in the Hungaroring paddock supporting Button.
"It's amazing, amazing. How can it not be? Look at her," said Button, wearing a broad grin.
"She arrived from Japan yesterday. She's only here for the weekend and then she has to go back.
"But I'll see her again in August for our summer break which will be nice, but it's great having her back here. It really is.
"Life has its positives and negatives for all of us, but I'm happy now.
"She just makes me happier. You have bad days and good days, but on the bad days she puts a smile on your face - and I don't mean in a weird way - but she's just a lovely person.
"But we're not going to have any bad days. We've agreed we're going to have a really good weekend this weekend."
With Michibata again in tow, joining father John who is a permanent fixture at races, Button knows he can relax and enjoy his weekend and leave them to enjoy theirs.
"I'm very lucky with my family, my old man and Jessica that I don't have to worry about them over the weekend," added Button.
"They do their own thing, they're out of the way and they never bother me, which is quite nice.
Reigning world champion Jenson Button has split with his girlfriend Jessica Michibata.
British daily tabloid The Sun said the 30-year-old decided to call time on their 18-month relationship shortly after the recent Monaco Grand Prix.
Japanese fashion model Michibata, 25, lives in Tokyo, and a friend of Monaco-domiciled Button is quoted as saying the "logistics" of the relationship "took their toll".
"Just over a week ago Jenson reluctantly decided that his racing must be his main priority," the source added.
A spokesman for Button confirmed: "Jenson is single again. He and Jessica have gone their separate ways."
