In the vibrant world of motorsport, each announcement of a renowned driver returning to the track is a cause for excitement. This time, it's Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, who announces his full-time return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024. At 43, Button will join the Jota Porsche Hypercar team, marking a return filled with nostalgia for fans of the sport.
Button, a motorsport veteran with a stellar career, has not competed full-time since his win in the Super GT Series with Team Kunimitsu Honda in 2018. His return to the WEC is not only a testament to his undying passion for racing but also a sign of the allure that the 2024 WEC season holds. The Brit will share the helm of the Hertz Team Jota Hypercar #38 with Phil Hanson and Oliver Rasmussen, both with notable experience in endurance racing.
Button's confirmation on the Jota team comes after a period of intense speculation and rumors. His desire to race in a prototype became evident during his participation in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he drove a modified NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro LS1 for Hendrick Motorsport. That experience, described as "a great way to return to Le Mans," was just a prelude to his larger ambition: competing in a Hypercar.
In addition, his debut in a current-generation prototype in the IMSA SportsCar Championship at Road Atlanta and his upcoming appearance at the 24 Hours of Daytona reinforce his commitment and readiness for the challenge that the WEC represents. Button's return has generated great anticipation, especially due to rumors of a "super team" at Jota, which initially included Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica. Although negotiations with Vettel did not materialize and Kubica chose to race with the Ferrari 499P Le Mans Hypercar, Button's presence on the grid is a source of pride for the WEC, as expressed by Frederic Lequien, the head of the series.
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