F1 champion confirms departure after se…read more
Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has officially confirmed that he will be stepping back from full-time motorsport at the end of the 2025 season. The 45-year-old British driver, who claimed the 2009 F1 championship, revealed that the growing demands on his time have led him to make this decision as he begins to shift focus toward his family and other commitments.
Since 2024, Button has been competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Jota Sport, driving the No. 38 Cadillac. He joined the team under a two-year contract and has participated in the full season campaigns of both 2024 and 2025. Most recently, Button and his team celebrated a strong performance at the 6 Hours of São Paulo, securing second place. That same weekend, Jota’s No. 12 entry made headlines by delivering Cadillac’s first-ever victory at the historic Interlagos circuit.
Despite the success, Button announced that he would not be returning for another full season in 2026. Speaking candidly about the decision, he said, “Life has just become incredibly busy with so many things happening at once. It’s a packed schedule and I’ve realized it’s time to start thinking more seriously about the future. I want to be able to spend more quality time with my family.”
He also acknowledged that his growing responsibilities make it difficult to give his racing team the commitment it deserves. “It’s not really fair on the team either — I simply won’t have enough time to dedicate to them, especially next year,” Button added.
However, this does not signal a complete retirement from racing. Button was quick to clarify that he will still participate in motorsport activities in 2026, just not on a full-time basis. “I’ll definitely still be racing next year, but not committing to a full season,” he assured fans.
Button’s decision is largely influenced by his busy life off the racetrack. He has taken on a media role as a prominent pundit and commentator for Sky Sports F1, which keeps him involved in the world of Formula 1. Outside of racing, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Brittny Ward, and their two young children, Hendrix and Lenny. Prioritizing time with his family has become an increasingly important factor in his career decisions.
When asked about the possibility of returning to NASCAR, where he made three Cup Series starts in 2023 with Rick Ware Racing, Button didn’t rule anything out. “Maybe, we’ll see,” he said, hinting at potential future one-off appearances or part-time involvement in different racing series.
Jota Sport, Button’s current WEC team, has yet to announce who will take his place for the 2026 season. Team principal Sam Hignett has confirmed that while Button will depart, the rest of the current driver lineup will remain unchanged going forward. A replacement for the former F1 champion will likely be named at a later date.
Button’s career has spanned more than two decades, with highlights that include his F1 championship win with Brawn GP in 2009, multiple Grand Prix victories, and recent success in endurance racing. His graceful step back from full-time competition marks the beginning of a new chapter — one where family, broadcasting, and selective racing engagements will shape his future.
Fans around the world will surely continue to follow his journey, whether he’s behind the microphone or behind the wheel, and Button’s legacy as one of the sport’s most respected and versatile figures remains firmly intact.