The 36-year-old saw the front of his car go up in smoke on the 13th lap of Sunday’s race after a suspension failure and he could only coast to the pits.
Button, the 2009 world champion, was applauded as he got out of his car stood on the cockpit and waved to fans.
In an Instagram statement ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Button thanked fans and paid tribute to his late father.
“So I hear today is a pretty big day for me! Today is the day that I will be strapped into an F1 car for probably the last time. It’s been an eventful 17 years,” he said
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has helped and supported me through the years including family, friends, team members and fans and last but not least my Dad who I’m hoping is looking down on us with pride, miss you papa.”