Button aims for WEC glory with Jota’s new Cadillac works effort

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Jenson Button will return to the World Endurance Championship in 2025 with Jota, as part of the British outfit's new, high-profile partnership with Cadillac.

The 2009 Formula 1 World Champion will join a highly experienced lineup that includes Will Stevens, Norman Nato, Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, and former Toro Rosso F1 driver Sébastien Bourdais.

But the most significant change for 2025 is Jota’s switch from a Porsche customer effort to a works Cadillac outfit fielding two V-Series LMDhs machines in the WEC’s Hypercar class.

Reflecting on the new chapter, Button expressed his enthusiasm for continuing with Jota under Cadillac's banner, signaling his commitment to a serious challenge in endurance racing’s top category.

“I’m delighted to be continuing my journey with Hertz Team Jota as they form their new partnership with such an iconic brand as Cadillac,” said the fifteen-time Grand Prix winner.

“Racing with Jota this season has been such a privilege as they’re a team steeped in success in endurance racing and an operation I’ve long admired.”

Read also: Toyota and Porsche share WEC world titles in Bahrain

For Button, the transition from a customer prototype to a hypercar factory program offers the prospect of an even more competitive 2025 season.

“Those achievements and hard work have now led to this exciting next chapter seeing them partner with Cadillac, a marque which has already impressed with what it has achieved to date in both WEC and IMSA.”

Jota co-owner Sam Hignett praised Button's contribution to the team this season.

“I think he can see that even at a later stage of his career there are opportunities to win and fight for a title,” commented Hignett.

“He’ll be a big part of the testing this winter and solidifying the team as we go from customer team to working with a major OEM with GM and Cadillac.”

Hignett also underscored the leadership qualities Button brings to Jota, which go beyond his skills behind the wheel.

“There is a certain amount of pride in the team of having someone like Jenson because he brings a great deal of experience in racing and also a certain status which I think rubs off on the team.

“He’s ultra-professional but also drives things on too, in a positive way. He’s just a good influence all round so we’re delighted to have him again for ’25.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.