P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Full-time racing is off the cards for Jenson Button in 2026, as he prepares for life away from the race seat.
British racing legend Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, announced that he will not hold a full-time race seat next year, concluding his 28-year full-time racing career. Currently competing for Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Button will step down from his seat at the end of the season. Beginning his full-time racing journey in 1998 with Formula Ford, Button progressed to Formula 3 the following year before making his F1 debut with Williams in 2000. Enjoying a successful F1 career spanning 17 seasons, Button clinched the championship with Brawn GP in 2009, creating a remarkable storyline in the sport’s history. Despite making one-off appearances next year, Button expressed that due to being overwhelmed with commitments, a full-time racing seat is no longer feasible for him. Looking ahead, Button shared plans for engaging in select events in 2026 while prioritizing family time and reflecting on his remarkable racing legacy.
