Jenson Button’s Exciting Return to Racing in 2024: Driving Force in World Endurance Championship
Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has announced his return to full-season racing in the 2024 World Endurance Championship. Set to drive the Jota Porsche 963, Button marks his return 15 years after his 2009 F1 title win, promising an exciting season ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Jenson Button, the renowned former Formula 1 driver, is poised to make a significant comeback in the World Endurance Championship’s hypercar class, driving the Jota Porsche 963. This includes participation in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which adds an exciting dimension to his return.
- Button’s illustrious career, spanning 306 Formula 1 races across 18 years, coupled with various guest appearances in motorsport post-retirement, provides him with a vast reservoir of experience for his 2024 campaign.
- The landscape of sportscar racing is undergoing a resurgence, with major manufacturers joining the World Endurance Championship. This resurgence is further amplified by the introduction of new design rules, which encourage diverse performance strategies, coinciding with Button’s return to the racing scene.
The world of motorsport is abuzz with the news of Jenson Button’s return to racing. Button, who left Formula 1 in 2016, has chosen the World Endurance Championship as his comeback arena, specifically the top-tier hypercar class. This decision not only brings a high-profile name back into the world of racing but also signals a significant moment in the evolution of the sport.
In his own words, Button expressed his excitement about his return, stating, “I’m thrilled to be racing in the 2024 World Endurance Championship. I’m already looking forward to the first race, but also know there’s a lot of work to be done so that we arrive prepared.” This statement reflects his anticipation and determination as he prepares for a challenging and exciting season.
The World Endurance Championship itself is witnessing a renaissance. The entry of leading car manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, Cadillac, and Peugeot has breathed new life into the competition. Button’s entry into this environment is perfectly timed, as the championship is set to welcome new participants like Alpine, BMW, and Lamborghini, with Aston Martin joining in 2025.
Button’s involvement in motorsports extends beyond the WEC, as he is also set to participate in the American IMSA Sportscar Championship, including a race at the Daytona 24 Hours in Florida for WTR Andretti Acura. This illustrates Button’s commitment to a diverse racing portfolio and his eagerness to compete across different formats.
The 2024 FIA WEC season is set to kick off with its first race in Doha, Qatar, from March 1-2. This event will not only mark Button’s return to professional racing but also promises to be a thrilling start to what is shaping up to be an exhilarating season for motorsport fans globally. With his wealth of experience and a proven track record, Jenson Button’s participation is sure to add a significant layer of excitement and competition to the 2024 World Endurance Championship.
