Jenson Button Unveils 2024 WEC: Former Formula 1 champion and NASCAR driver Jenson Button has unveiled his plans for 2024, signaling his entry into the Hypercars category of the World Endurance Championship alongside Hertz Team Jota.
The 2009 F1 world champion is geared up to pilot the #38 Porsche 963 Hypercar, representing Jota on a full-time basis for the upcoming season. His teammates will include Philip Hanson and Oliver Rasmussen.
Following his retirement from Formula 1, Button ventured into various racing disciplines, including Super GT, NASCAR Cup Series, DTM, and IMSA. Notably, he has prior Le Mans experience, having competed in the LMP1 category in 2018, although his team faced a late retirement.
In a recent collaboration, Jenson Button partnered with NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Jimmie Johnson and Le Mans victor Mike Rockenfeller, racing for the Garage 56 outfit at the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary edition.
The 43-year-old embarks on his WEC journey with Jota, commencing with the pre-season test followed by the first round in Qatar. His participation spans the eight-round 2024 calendar, featuring renowned circuits like Imola, Spa-Francorchamps, and COTA. Additionally, he is poised to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, vying for top honors this season.
In his announcement of returning to full-time racing with Hertz Team Jota, Jenson Button conveyed his enthusiasm for the 2024 WEC season through a video statement posted on Instagram.
Teaming up with the privateer outfit, Button aspires to replicate the success of his championship-winning 2009 F1 campaign with Brawn GP. He expressed, “I’m hoping for a championship win.” The Hypercar category has drawn several familiar faces from the F1 paddock, including Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher racing for the Alpine outfit and Nyck de Vries partnering with Toyota.
Also Read: Jenson Button Joins Wayne Taylor Racings IMSA Force for 2024 Season
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Jenson Button leave Brawn?
Button was asked to commit to car development for 2010 and replicate the success of the 2009 season. However, Brawn and Fry stated that Mercedes would acquire Brawn GP without seeking potential sponsors. This did not sit well with Button, who expressed his desire for a new challenge to his manager, Richard Goodard.
Who did Jenson Button drive for in 2009?
In 2009, Honda pulled out of the racing scene, prompting a consortium led by Ross Brawn to purchase the team. Brawn, now the team principal, renamed the team Brawn GP and outfitted them with Mercedes engines. Despite the changes, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello remained as drivers for the team.
When did button retire?
Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, or JB, is a renowned racing driver hailing from Frome, Somerset, England. He participated in Formula One from 2000 to 2016, and even did one race in 2017. JB is best known for his impressive win as the 2009 Formula One World Champion, driving for Brawn GP.
