Just retired, Jenson Button is already considering a return to competition to take on one last legendary challenge at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Read more Nico Rosberg reveals the personal sacrifice that allowed him to beat Lewis Hamilton
Jenson Button may not have said his last word yet. Officially retired since the end of last season after the 8 Hours of Bahrain, the 2009 world champion already seems to be considering a return to the track. The former F1 driver recently expressed his desire to participate again in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this time behind the wheel of the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
After an exceptional career marked by 306 Grand Prix starts, 15 victories, and a world title won with Brawn GP, the Briton could be tempted by one final challenge in one of the most prestigious races in motorsport.
Le Mans in the back of his mind
In his column published on Aston Martin’s official website, Button did not hide his interest in the British Hypercar competing in the World Endurance Championship.
“I would really like to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie at Le Mans one day. Maybe we can make that happen. It would also be an opportunity for me to finally drive a car designed by Adrian Newey.”
This prospect has a special meaning for the former McLaren driver. Despite his long career in Formula 1, he never had the opportunity to race in a single-seater designed by the famous British engineer, considered one of the greatest designers in the history of the sport.
Now an ambassador for Aston Martin, Button benefits from a privileged relationship with the British manufacturer, which could facilitate a possible future participation.
A Le Mans victory that still eludes him
Le Mans remains one of the few major goals that Button has never managed to achieve. The Briton has already taken part in the event several times but has never managed to claim the ultimate victory.
His debut in Sarthe dates back to 2018 with SMP Racing, an adventure that ended prematurely with a retirement. He then participated in the Garage 56 project with NASCAR in 2023 before joining the Hertz Team Jota crew in 2024 and then the Cadillac Hertz Team Jota the following year.
Despite respectable results, victory has always eluded him.
“I have already tried my luck at Le Mans several times, but winning this race has never happened,” he admitted.
Read more Álex Palou (Ganassi) resumes his march forward in Detroit by dominating the Andretti drivers
This frustration could explain why the idea of a comeback continues to appeal to him despite the recent announcement of his sporting retirement.
The Triple Crown still in sight
Le Mans also represents an essential step in the quest for the prestigious Triple Crown of motorsport, composed of the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500.
Button already holds one of the three legs thanks to his victory in Monaco in 2009. However, Indianapolis does not seem to be part of his plans.
“I have a lot of respect for the drivers who race there, but it’s not for me,” he explained.
The Briton also believes that another driver is better placed to achieve this very rare feat: Fernando Alonso.
Fernando Alonso still a credible candidate
According to Button, his former rival has all the qualities to complete the Triple Crown. The Aston Martin driver already has two wins at Le Mans and two victories in Monaco. He only lacks Indianapolis to join the only man to have achieved this feat: Graham Hill.
“Fernando is probably the one most likely to achieve it. He has already won in Monaco and Le Mans, and he has shown he can be competitive at Indianapolis,” Button believes.
While Alonso remains focused on Formula 1 for now, Button seems already looking towards a possible return to endurance racing. Six months after hanging up his helmet, the desire to get back behind the wheel is clearly still very much alive.
Read more Carlos Sainz stops fighting against the 2026 rules, but Formula 1 must evolve in the future