Jenson Button Shakes Up Racing World: No More Le Mans as He Embraces Historic Racing!
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Jenson Button, the legendary 2009 Formula 1 world champion, has declared his intentions for the future as he prepares to step away from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of 2025. Button, who made waves by entering the Hypercar class last year with Jota and is set to join Cadillac’s factory program, has made it clear: a one-off return to the illustrious Le Mans 24 Hours is not in his plans.
“If you want to race in endurance you have got to be in it the whole time,” Button stated emphatically, dismissing any notion of a sporadic return to the iconic race. His commitment to the rigorous demands of the WEC is unwavering, as he acknowledged the complexity of driving a Hypercar, which requires deep familiarity with the car’s intricate systems. “Every time I get in the car, there is something different and new to learn,” he elaborated. At 44, he recognizes the challenges that come with age, stating, “It definitely takes you longer than when you are in your 20s.”
Despite stepping back from his role with Jota, Button is not hanging up his racing gloves just yet. In July, he clarified that he wouldn’t be retiring from racing altogether, but rather shifting his focus. “I will be racing for fun,” he affirmed, revealing his newfound passion for historic racing. “I love historics for some reason; it’s my age obviously,” he joked, hinting at his growing fleet of classic racing cars.
Among his vintage treasures is a newly acquired Jaguar E-type, joining the ranks of the C-type, once owned by the five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, and the Alfa Romeo GT Junior. Button recently showcased his prowess at the Goodwood Revival, clinching victory in the RAC TT Celebration while sharing the C-type with fellow racer Alex Buncombe.
But that’s not all! Button has left the door slightly ajar for a potential return to the NASCAR Cup series, where he made a brief appearance in 2023 with the Rick Ware Racing Ford team. “NASCAR is very different [from Hypercar], because it is very mechanical,” he explained, suggesting that the simplicity of the NASCAR setup could make it a feasible option for him down the line. “I could probably do that because I could jump in and feel what the car is doing,” he added, hinting at the thrill of driving without the overwhelming array of systems found in modern endurance racing.
As Jenson Button embarks on this exciting new chapter in his illustrious career, fans around the globe are eager to see how this motorsport icon will leave his mark in the world of historic racing and perhaps even NASCAR. With his exhilarating journey taking unexpected turns, one thing is certain: Button’s passion for racing is far from extinguished, and the future promises to be as thrilling as the races he’s left behind!
