F1 News: Jenson Button Confirms 2024 Racing Return

Jenson Button will be making a full-season racing return in 2024.

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has announced his racing return for 2024, confirming his participation in the World Endurance Championship. The British driver is set to drive the Jota Porsche 963 in the hypercar class, marking a significant comeback 15 years after his 2009 F1 title win.

Key Takeaways

• Button, who retired from Formula 1 in 2016, is returning to compete in the top hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, driving the Jota Porsche 963.
• With a career spanning 306 F1 races over 18 years and various guest appearances in motorsport since his retirement, Button brings a wealth of experience to his 2024 campaign.
• Button's return coincides with a resurgence in sportscar racing, highlighted by major manufacturers joining the World Endurance Championship and the introduction of new design rules encouraging diverse performance philosophies.

In a statement, Button expressed his excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season, saying:

"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."

The landscape of sportscar racing has evolved significantly, with the World Endurance Championship witnessing a revival of interest from major car manufacturers. The recent influx of companies like Porsche, Ferrari, Cadillac, and Peugeot has revitalised the championship. Button's return is timely, as the 2024 season will also welcome new entrants like Alpine, BMW, and Lamborghini, with Aston Martin set to join in 2025.

Apart from his WEC commitments, Button will also participate in the American IMSA Sportscar Championship, racing in the Daytona 24 Hours in Florida for WTR Andretti Acura.

Button's first race in the 2024 FIA WEC season is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from March 1-2, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating season for motorsport enthusiasts.