For those hoping that the 2009 F1 world champion would race in NASCAR again this season, Jenson Button says it isn’t so. He doesn’t have room on his schedule right now between WEC and his TV duties with Sky TV covering F1.
In 2023, Jenson Button raced at COTA, Chicago Street Race, and the Indy Road Course. He drove the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing with help from Mobil 1 and Stewart-Haas Racing.
However, according to a conversation Button had with Motorsport.com, he won’t return to NASCAR in 2024.
“I was asked to do a race this year in a really good car, but I just can’t,” Button said. “There’s so much racing to be done and I’m also doing TV work with Sky still, and things with other sponsors, so it’s enough this year.”
Don’t worry too much, there is still a chance he makes a return at some point. The 44 year old driver would be happy to do another race, if he has the time.
“If they [NASCAR] still want to have me! Mobil 1 offered me the drive this year, so they’re looking for other options, but I couldn’t do the one they offered me [Chicago] as I’m at the British Grand Prix.”
So, no Jenson Button. However, it sounds like Mobil 1 still wants to fill the seat. Let’s hope that plan still comes to fruition. The more all-star drivers in NASCAR, the better.
Jenson Button had solid showings in 2023
Despite a best finish of just P18 at COTA, Jenson Button showed real speed in his NASCAR attempts. His run at COTA was the “Welcome to the Cup Series” moment he needed to come back ready for more.
He was hit and bounced around and had to fight hard on the track for position in Texas. When he raced at Chicago, he was running very well. I think he would have been a top-10 driver on the day if he had not been spun out while heading for pit road. It was a tough break.
His Indy Road Course experience was also a letdown as Button had little speed that weekend.
What Project 91 and other teams like the Trackhouse group in recent years have done for the sport is great. You pair Jenson Button’s NASCAR experience with the Le Mans Garage 56 entry last year and you get a special moment. An F1 champion representing NASCAR alongside Jimmie Johnson, what is better?
While we won’t see Jenson Button this year in the Cup Series, I do hope Mobil 1 puts a driver in that car. There is a lot of momentum in NASCAR and having international stars test the waters is always good for the sport.
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