Image source, Getty Images

Sixteen years, 297 GPs, eight poles, 24 front rows, 50 podiums, 1,231 points, 15 wins and one world title.

Whatever happens from here on in, you've given us plenty already Jenson.

Join me tomorrow from 11:30 BST as we build up to the Italian GP in Monza.

Goodbye.

James Perry: Surprising decision but one we have to respect, though would rather both Alonso & JB on grid rather than one or the other #bbcf1 🏁

geographicalbaker22: Actually heartbroken. @JensonButton so proud of all you achieved and can't wait to see what's next.

Jason Good: Really disappointed to lose JB from the grid next year. He is the main reason I kept on watching F1 - awesome Champ year.

Craig Harries: So @JensonButton not racing in #F1 next season. Safe bet to say he's signed on to present @BBC_TopGear For the next series. #bbcf1

Kirk Laird: Jenson Button for Top Gear perhaps?

Image source, bbc

McLaren boss Ron Dennis speaking to BBC Radio 5 live's Tom Clarkson: "I think it's a creative solution to the challenges the team were presented with. I spoke to him in Spa to establish what he wanted.

"He didn't want to stop F1 but he wanted to break the pattern he had in his life. I thin it's the best solution for everyone."

"Different role for 2017, but very happy to have him in the team and keep working together! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻"

I have no idea how we have all these photos from the Button family album but they're an absolute joy.

Image source, Rex Features

In fact the Stoff is 18th in the drivers' standings, out of 24 drivers, and has only been in one race.

Image source, Getty Images

Enter the Stoff.

Jenson Button's non-retirement means McLaren can promote their reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne to a full-time seat.

The hype around the 24-year-old Belgian is genuine and the dilemma of how to get him into a car with Alonso and Button there was a headache for McLaren.

He is last year's GP2 winner and this season, when replacing an injured Alonso at Bahrain, he out-qualified Button and went on to score a point by finishing 10th.

Among all the praise for Jenson Button, which I endorse, there has been a bit of playful poking at McLaren's PR spin on all this.

"McLaren-Honda announces innovative three-driver strategy," reads their website's headline.

Some blue-sky thinking there, possibly thought up on a team building retreat where you build rafts and cook nettles.

James Crew: Has always been clear Ron Dennis has never been a fan of Jenson and always wanted him out as he was a Whitmarsh signing

hazel black: Not happy that Stoffel has Jensons seat for next year. Nothing against Stoffel but Jenson is a world champion and a great driver

Actually. Jenson has experience of chillaxing in a chair under the sun. We've dug out this picture of an indisputably adorable Button as a wee lad.

Image source, Rex Features

Assume the position, Jenson. Assume the position.

Image source, Getty Images

Jenson Button has 15 career race wins - the last of which came at Brazil in 2012.

Here he is on the podium at Sao Paulo, giving a hug to Felipa Massa, who was overcome with emotion at finishing third at his home race.

It's an image of two men who will not be in F1 next year - and the sport is worse off for it.

Image source, Getty Images

Following on from Debbie's tweet there, Jenson has always been held up as a looker.

Don't see it myself - I mean, I guess if you like auburn stubble, firm abs and smooth wit, then you're in luck.

But it does remind me of my favourite personal memory of Jenson, which involved a female friend with a broken leg (or was it arm? I forget) chasing him around Silverstone for six hours trying to get her cast signed.

She succeeded.

And can no longer come within 200 yards of the man without being arrested, Worth it though.

Debbie Phillips: @JensonButton - long as we can continue to see your Handsome face 😘 

Cold shower for Debbie, please.

Image source, Getty Images