Button experienced the thrill of an exciting race when he participated as a member of the NASCAR Garage 56 team at this location last year. This endeavor served as a Special Project to promote the renowned American series at Le Mans. It offered the 1997 F1 World Champion a remarkable opportunity to savor and analyze the event in preparation for his new venture.
In his current endeavor, Button will have the chance to join the ranks of esteemed F1 World Champions who have achieved the prestigious double victory, including Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hill, Jochen Rindt, Graham Hill, and more recently, Fernando Alonso.
In an interview with Daily Sportscar, the 44-year-old Button expressed his deep admiration for the race, stating: “It’s an incredibly special place and I have a deep love for this event. My ultimate goal is to be on top of the podium here. This year, we have a car capable of achieving that. The #12 Jota Porsche had an exceptional performance in the previous race at Spa-Francorchamps, showcasing its impressive speed. The entire team came out victorious, which is a testament to their exceptional performance.”
Button acknowledged the importance of luck, as well as the need for a skilled team of drivers and dedicated individuals working behind the scenes, to succeed in this renowned race. He remains optimistic about the outcome, stating: “We’ll see what happens.”
Reflecting on his experience with the NASCAR Garage 56 team last year, Button commented: “It was a different experience for me, more relaxing in a way, but still driven by the desire to be fast and competitive. Looking back, it’s a memory that will forever be etched in my mind.”
In this year’s race, Button will pilot the Porsche #38 Hertz Team Jota alongside Oliver Rasmussen and Phil Hanson. They will start the race in 17th position on the starting grid this Saturday.
The former Formula 1 champion from 1997 expressed his hopes for a change of luck for car #38 in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He acknowledged that the team has faced difficulties throughout the year, with failures and accidents hindering their progress. However, he remained optimistic and believed that by overcoming these setbacks, they could have a smoother and more successful race this weekend. Button emphasized the importance of consistency, minimizing errors, and maintaining strong communication between the drivers and the team.
When asked about the challenges faced by private teams competing against established manufacturers like Toyota, Ferrari, and Porsche in the Hypercar class, Button highlighted the impressive performance of private teams in recent races. He pointed out that teams like Jota Sport have shown their ability to be competitive and attributed their success to their longstanding commitment to racing. Button expressed his excitement to see how private teams can challenge factory teams in the upcoming race.
Before his first serious attempt and quest for victory at Le Mans this weekend, Button was filled with enthusiasm for the era of Hypercars [LMDH]: “In Formula 1 cars, the technology is off the charts and represents the pinnacle of aerodynamics, with the best teams in the world. However, they are not as technologically advanced as hypercars.
“Hypercars have an extensive 38-page document dedicated exclusively to explaining the functions of the steering wheel; there are numerous switches… so many different features to address the same problem. There is a lot to understand. It is an impressive amount of information that confuses the mind and requires a considerable amount of time to adapt.”
“It is highly intelligent but extremely complex, and it requires a different type of driver – someone who possesses not only skill on the track but also knowledge in engineering. Hypercars are the most visually appealing cars ever created. If I were to draw a car as a child, it would have been a hypercar.”
“I used to watch Le Mans in the 80s. The team dynamics there are very different from Formula 1, where your teammates are the first people you strive to beat; in endurance racing, you collaborate with your teammates to improve the car’s performance and ensure victories.”
“I don’t know what the future holds when I reach 50 years old, but currently, I am satisfied with where I am. I am still performing at my best; I engage in extensive physical training. Additionally, earlier this year, I broke the Guinness World Record for reaction time on a Batak board.”
“The desire to compete is still very much alive, and that is the key factor. Just look at Fernando Alonso – he is proof that you can still excel at 42 or 43 years old,” enthused Button.
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The football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to amaze fans with his incredible skills. Recently, during a training session with his team, Ronaldo showcased his agility and precision by scoring a spectacular bicycle kick goal. The video of the goal quickly went viral on social media, leaving fans ecstatic.
It’s not the first time that Ronaldo impresses with his acrobatics on the field. The player has already scored several bicycle goals throughout his career, but this last one is certainly among the most impressive. The speed and precision with which he executed the movement left everyone in awe.
In addition to his technical skills, Ronaldo is also known for his hard work and dedication to training. He is always looking to improve and surpass himself in every game. His work ethic inspires his teammates and makes him an example for young players around the world.
With another spectacular goal in his resume, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove why he is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His fans are eager to see what he will do in his next match and how he will continue to surprise them with his unparalleled talent.
