Formula 1 star Jenson Button is in mourning following the death of his father.

John Button, 70, died from a suspected heart attack on Sunday (12Jan14) at his home on the French Riviera.

A statement from the racing driver's representative reads, "It is with great sadness and regret that I can confirm John Button passed away at his home in the South of France on Sunday.

"Whilst we await confirmation, initial signs would indicate a suspected heart attack. A close friend who was visiting John on Sunday was the first to discover the tragic news.

"John's children Jenson, Natasha, Samantha and Tanya and the rest of the family are clearly devastated and ask for their privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time."

John Button was a familiar face on the Formula 1 circuit, regularly cheering his former World Champion son on from the sidelines, and tributes have flooded in from other stars including Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.