Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, recently shared news that is causing quite a stir in the racing world. He plans to slow down his illustrious racing career after 2025. This revelation comes amidst his preparation for the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race with Cadillac, marking what could be his last year competing full-time.
Button’s rise to fame was meteoric in 2009 when he captured the F1 World Championship with Brawn GP, creating one of the sport’s greatest underdog stories. Over the years, he has started a remarkable 306 Grand Prix races, clinching 15 wins. After his last F1 appearance at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, Button expanded his horizons by racing in various competitions, including the World Endurance Championship, NASCAR, and Super GT.
Currently, Button is aligned with Jota in the World Endurance Championship. Jota has teamed up with Cadillac Racing for the 2025 Hypercar campaign, taking them to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. As Button gears up for his fourth appearance at this iconic event, he discloses that the demands of family and other commitments mean this could be his final year competing full-time. He expressed to Crash.net, ‘I love endurance racing… but to do it with a team like Jota… it just works. 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!”
The former champion’s affection for endurance racing is palpable, yet he acknowledges the challenge of balancing his personal and professional life. With family priorities rising, Button hinted at a lighter racing schedule post-2025, driven by passion rather than competition. He emphasized the importance of being present for his children, acknowledging the challenges of frequent travel.
Button is no stranger to success at Le Mans, having witnessed Jota claim victory in their class thrice, including a recent win in the LMP2 class in 2022. Despite stepping back from full-time racing, Button has no intention of quitting entirely. His love for speed and racing remains undiminished, even as he navigates this transition.
Looking into the future, Button plans to race ‘for fun’ rather than for prize and prestige. As he moves into a new chapter, the racing community eagerly anticipates the endeavors he will undertake beyond the track.
Jenson Button’s decision to wind down his full-time racing career marks the end of an era in motorsport. As he steps back from the limelight, his contributions to racing continue to inspire. While the racetracks might see less of him in the future, Button’s legacy and passion will undoubtedly endure.
