Jenson Button « looks to the future » and will retire from WEC in 2026

It was to be expected. Shortly after the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jenson Button announced that he wanted to step back from the World Endurance Championship. Currently committed with Cadillac, a team with which he just secured a second place at Interlagos, he will ultimately not continue the adventure.

Initially, he wanted a part-time program to focus on other aspects. But in the end, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion decided to draw a line under this championship. My life has become too busy with so many different things going on—I have a very tight schedule. It’s time for me to start thinking a little more about the future, and I want to spend more time with my family. It’s also not fair to the team: I probably don’t have enough time to devote to it, especially next year, he explained.

However, the Briton will not stop driving. He also indicated that he will bounce back in another series but not in a full program. A choice that will allow him to juggle between all his roles and responsibilities.

Sam Hignett, the head of the Jota team that runs the Cadillacs in WEC, confirmed that the name of Jenson Button’s replacement will only be revealed at the 8 Hours of Bahrain, the final round of the championship, next November. This is expected to be the only change among the six drivers fielded by the American brand.