Written by Evan Veer, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Formula One’s 2009 championship winner Jenson Button completes Hertz Team JOTA’s expanded two-car Hypercar squad for the 2024 World Endurance Championship.
The F1 World Champion will share the so-called “mighty #38” with fellow Brit Phil Hanson, as well as current JOTA LMP2 driver Oliver Rasmussen, while the new-for-2024 #12 will be piloted by Will Stevens, Norman Nato, and Callum Illot.
The timing for this move couldn’t have been any better, as the gilded British outfit has been steadily working its way up the field throughout the end of last season, culminating in an impressive season finale at Bahrain, coming painfully close to their maiden top-class podium.
Furthermore, the depth of competition in the WEC’s top class only continues to grow, with the addition of Alpine and Lamborghini, coupled with expansions from other manufacturers, and a flood of highly talented drivers taking advantage of the open driver market.
Button seems to have rediscovered his affinity for endurance racing at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he had the honor of driving the fan-favorite Garage 56 Nascar entry.
Following his one-off at Le Mans, Button has been looking around for opportunities to enter into the top class, ultimately making his GTP debut in JDC Miller’s Porsche 963 at Petit Le Mans in November, and striking a deal to compete in the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing.
The Brit has previously raced in LMP1 in the 2018-2019 season, on top of a long list of various GT races throughout his career, even taking home a top class Super GT championship back in 2018.
The 2009 F1 world champion was thrilled to join the team, citing it as a return to racing with old teammates:
"I'm thrilled to be racing with Hertz Team Jota in the 2024 WEC alongside my team-mates Oliver and Phil.
"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 Hypercar."
Ever since filling in at the flagship endurance race at Le Mans, Button has been looking for ways to return to the series’ top class. With an opportunity to show his talent, the Briton will definitely be looking for great returns in 2024, racing alongside an expanded grid, and returning alongside old teammates.