Jenson Button's Post-F1 Career: A Journey of Endurance and Adaptation
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, is set to bid farewell to professional racing with his final race in the World Endurance Championship's Bahrain 8 Hours. But what has his post-F1 career been like? Has it been a fitting send-off to one of the most accomplished careers in modern motorsport?
The Last Chapter of a Champion
Button's last F1 start was in Monaco 2017, substituting for Fernando Alonso at McLaren. His final full F1 campaign was in 2016, a 17-year stint with 306 grands prix, 50 podiums, 15 victories, eight pole positions, and the 2009 title with Brawn GP. Now, at 45, he's transitioning to endurance racing, a natural progression for a driver who's always been passionate about racing.
Life After F1: A Wide Range of Adventures
Many F1 drivers retire after their F1 careers, but Button sought new challenges. He moved to Japan in 2018, winning the Super GT championship with Team Kunimitsu Honda NSX-GT500, becoming the first F1 world champion to do so. However, the constant travel took its toll, and he called it quits in 2019.
Post-Japan, Button explored various disciplines: Baja events, British GT, Extreme E, Nitro Rallycross, and even NASCAR. His willingness to adapt and curiosity set him apart, making him one of the few F1 champions to venture so widely.
Endurance Racing: A Gradual Path
Endurance racing eventually drew Button in. He started with SMP Racing in 2018, sharing a car with Vitaly Petrov and Mikhail Aleshin, scoring a podium at the Shanghai 6 Hours. This experience paved the way for his return to Le Mans 24 Hours in 2024, as part of the Garage 56 project with Hendrick Motorsports.
Team Jota: The Final Challenge
Button joined Team Jota for a full-time WEC campaign in 2024, co-owned by his friend David Clark. Despite initial challenges, he grew stronger, his smooth driving style translating beautifully to endurance racing. His best races were Le Mans 24 Hours and Fuji 6 Hours, showcasing his adaptability and experience.
Impact on Team Jota
Button's impact on Team Jota is undeniable. His professionalism, feedback, and experience have been crucial to the team's growth. In two seasons, Jota has scored two wins and is still in contention for world titles. His humility and ego-free nature have made him a key team member.
Why Button Decided to Stop
Button's decision to retire is bittersweet. He enjoyed his WEC experience and reignited his competitive spirit with Team Jota. However, life has become too busy, and he's missed a lot due to his commitments. He won't disappear but will continue to appear at classic events.
The Search for a Successor
With Button leaving, Team Jota must find a replacement. Mick Schumacher was initially the frontrunner, but he's heading to IndyCar. The search continues, with Louis Delétraz, Felipe Drugovich, and Jack Aitken in the running. Aitken, in particular, has emerged as the favorite to join Bourdais and Bamber in the #38 car.
Button's legacy is secure, and his impact on motorsport is undeniable. His post-F1 career has been a testament to his adaptability, passion, and commitment to the sport.
