Jenson Button planning to end full-time racing career in 2025 has become a reality, as the former Formula 1 World Champion shared his intention to step back after one more year of racing at the highest level. Button made the announcement ahead of his appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Cadillac Racing, marking a significant point in his extensive motorsport journey.
Button, who captured the Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with Brawn GP in 2009, enjoyed one of the sport’s most remarkable seasons, notching 15 Grand Prix victories across a 306-race F1 career. His final Formula 1 start was at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, after which he transitioned through various racing disciplines, including the World Endurance Championship, NASCAR, and Super GT.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Formula 1
Since departing Formula 1, Button has embraced a diverse array of racing categories. Currently, he races with Jota in the World Endurance Championship, a collaboration that has recently partnered with Cadillac Racing for the 2025 Hypercar campaign. This year represents Button’s fourth bid at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, an event recognized for its intense competition among manufacturers from Europe and the USA and for rankings such as class winner accolades obtained by teams like Jota, who have previously triumphed in the LMP2 class.
Reflecting on his affinity for endurance racing and the shifting priorities in his life, Button explained:
“I love endurance racing. I’ve always taken a shine to it through my racing career in F1,”
—Jenson Button, Formula 1 World Champion
The British driver cited factors outside the racetrack influencing his decision, referencing the impact of the pandemic and his desire to accept new challenges as he enters his mid-40s. Button hinted at how these experiences have shaped his current outlook, and he remarked:
“This will probably be my last full year of racing. I’ve got so many things going on, and I kind of need to grow up!”
—Jenson Button, Formula 1 World Champion
Balancing Racing with Family Life
As Button’s schedule intensifies with commitments both in motorsport and elsewhere, he acknowledged that maintaining balance is becoming increasingly difficult. The demands of travel and the time spent away from his children have weighed on his mind, driving his decision to reduce his racing obligations following the 2025 season.
Looking toward the immediate future, Button has made clear his intentions for a more relaxed approach to the sport:
“Next year I will still race but it will definitely be [a reduced schedule] and for fun. In my 60s and 70s I will still be racing but it won’t be at Le Mans.”
—Jenson Button, Formula 1 World Champion
Button’s remarks reflect a willingness to continue participating in motorsport, albeit in a less demanding capacity, with an eye on enjoying other professional and personal opportunities that lie ahead.
Legacy and What Lies Ahead for Jenson Button
Jenson Button’s racing accomplishments have left an indelible mark on motorsport, highlighted by a Formula 1 title, multiple Grand Prix wins, and involvement with teams such as Jota and Cadillac Racing. His future plans suggest a shift from striving for podiums at world-famous events like Le Mans to a broader involvement within and outside the sport, underscoring the enduring connection between drivers, their families, and the broader motorsport community. As Button prepares for his final full-time campaign, the racing world will be watching closely to see what new chapters await the seasoned champion.
