Button: “Horrible” robbery ordeal is behind me now

The pair were staying in St. Tropez in France over the Formula 1 summer break, when thieves broke in to their villa and stole valuable possessions, including Michibata's £250,000 engagement ring.

There were suggestions at the time that sleeping gas may have been used by the robbers.

Although Button did not want to dwell on the events, he said a recent trip to Japan had helped him get over the shock, and he was thankful that he and his wife were unharmed.

“I've been in Japan the last week which has been lovely, with Jessica's family and enjoying Tokyo with friends,” he said. 

“It was a lot of fun after the ordeal of the week before, but it is behind us now. We are healthy, well and looking forward to this weekend."

Support boost

Button said he had been especially heartened by the outpouring of well wishes he had received from fans and the F1 community after the incident.

“It has been amazing the support,” he said. “I think probably more support than when I won the world championship. It has been really nice.

“A lot of people go through horrible experiences in life and it is definitely one I would not wish on anyone. 

"We are over it now; although obviously it is always in the back of your mind. We are a little bit cautious in certain things we do now, but we are all here, we are all safe and that is the most important thing.”

Preventing repeat

Button also hoped that the publicity surrounding his incident would help people take more precautions to prevent repeat robberies in the future.

“You never want anyone in your house you haven't invited when you are there asleep, but it is what it is,” he said.

“I am sure it is not the last time it is going to happen to someone, but hopefully with all the reports it will make people more aware, so it doesn't happen as often in the future.”