Button feeling 'reborn' - ‘absolutely loving’ racing in the WEC

Jenson Button says he absolutely loved racing in the World Endurance Championship last season with Hertz Team Jota, declaring himself feeling “reborn” in the wake of his first full campaign in the series.

Button shared Jota's Porsche 963 with teammates Philip Hanson and Oliver Rasmussen.

The 44-year-old is set to continue with Jota in 2025 as the team transitions from Porsche to Cadillac.

Button's first full racing campaign in five years saw him adapting to the demands of endurance racing.

Finding His Feet

While results didn't always reflect the team's potential, Button relished the challenge.

“2024 has been busy, yes,” Button told Crash.net. “But it's been exciting and there's been a lot of good stuff happening.

"It's been my first full season of racing since 2019 at 44 years old, so it's like I'm reborn!

• Read also: Button aims for WEC glory with Jota's new Cadillac works effort

“It's been a challenge; first of all just getting up to speed in the car. It takes a little bit longer when you're a bit older, but then once you get used to it, I'm absolutely loving it.

“The pace is there, I love the wheel-to-wheel racing. WEC is such a great series and it's in such a great place right now, as a lot of motorsport categories are.”

Diversity at its Best

Despite a slow start, Button and his teammates scored their first points at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours and achieved a season-best finish of sixth at the Six Hours of Fuji.

Button acknowledged that results weren't quite what the team had hoped for but was optimistic about the future.

The veteran racer also highlighted the strength of the WEC grid and the excitement of competing in a series with such a diverse lineup of manufacturers.

“The results haven't quite been what we had in mind, and there's been some bad luck at times, but there's been lots of learnings for 2025 where I'll be racing with Cadillac and Hertz Team Jota,” he said.

“It's lovely to see so many manufacturers involved. I've really enjoyed the season.

Keeping a Foot in Formula 1

In addition to his WEC commitments, Button continued his punditry work with Sky Sports F1 in 2024.

Reflecting on the resurgence of competitiveness in Formula 1, Button expressed enthusiasm for the direction the sport is heading.

“Being around Formula 1 and seeing the competitiveness this year has been incredible,” Button remarked. “Obviously Max was on a roll in the early part of the season, but then a lot of teams caught up.

“To see so many teams and drivers fighting at the front and lots of great racing and different winners has been mega. Leading into 2025 I think we can expect a lot more of that.”

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