Jenson Button Joins WEC 2024 in Porsche 963 with Hertz Team Jota

Former F1 Champion set for a thrilling comeback in the Hypercar category, teaming up with Rasmussen and Hanson.

Jenson Button, the British racing legend who captivated the world with his 2009 Formula One championship victory, has made a sensational announcement: he's returning to full-time motorsport in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). This isn't a one-off jaunt or a taste of nostalgia; Button is diving headfirst into the hypercar class, the pinnacle of endurance racing, and teaming up with the renowned Hertz Team Jota to pilot a Porsche 963.

While his F1 days may be behind him, Button's fire for competition burns brighter than ever. His retirement in 2017 hasn't dulled his love for the thrill of the track, as evidenced by his recent cameo in the prestigious Garage 56 entry at the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours. That taste of endurance racing only whetted his appetite, and now, he's ready for a full plate feast.

The WEC offers a dynamic challenge that's distinct from Button's F1 experience. Races stretch for hours, demanding not just raw speed but tactical acumen, teamwork, and the ability to push both car and driver to the limit over gruelling distances. Button, known for his strategic mind and meticulous approach, seems tailor-made for this new battlefield.

His weapon of choice? The mighty Porsche 963, a hybrid Hypercar that roars with 680 horsepower and cutting-edge technology. Joining forces with Hertz Team Jota, a powerhouse squad with two Le Mans victories to their name, puts Button in a prime position for success. He'll share the driving duties with Phil Hanson and Oliver Rasmussen, two experienced endurance racers who will undoubtedly be invaluable teammates.

This isn't just a homecoming for Button; it's a landmark moment for the WEC. Having a driver of his calibre and charisma join the grid injects a welcome dose of star power and global attention. Button's arrival signifies the rising stature of the championship, which has recently attracted major manufacturers like Toyota, Peugeot, and Ferrari.

For fans, this is a dream come true. Witnessing Button battle it out for glory in iconic endurance races like Le Mans, Sebring, and Spa-Francorchamps is a prospect to savour. His on-track prowess combined with his natural charisma are a guaranteed recipe for excitement.

“I’m excited to be racing with Hertz Team JOTA in the 2024 World Endurance Championship alongside my teammates Oliver Rasmussen and Phil Hanson”, said Button. “Both already have a lot of experience in endurance racing and that is key. Endurance racing is about teamwork and there is no better team than Hertz Team JOTA to be taking on the big manufacturers in Hypercars. I’m already looking forward to the first race in Qatar but also know there’s a lot of work to be done so that we arrive prepared.”

Frédéric Lequien, the FIA WEC CEO, added “It’s an honour to have Jenson Button – a hugely successful driver across many racing disciplines – competing full-time in the WEC next year. With nine manufacturers in the Hypercar category next year including star names such as Jenson confirmed on the grid, everything is now in place for the WEC to have its most spectacular season yet.”

Before his 2024 WEC campaign, Button will also be seen in action at the Daytona 24-Hour race, competing alongside WRT Andretti in an Acura ARX-06 LMDh within the IMSA framework.

So, buckle up, motorsport fans, because the Button show is back on the road. 2024 promises to be a thrilling year for the WEC, with a revitalized Jenson Button leading the charge. He may have traded his single-seater for a hypercar, but one thing's certain: when the lights go green, Button will be pushing the limits, chasing victory, and proving that his passion for racing burns brighter than ever.