Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 champion, shocked the racing world when it was announced he was going to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Rick Ware Racing at Circuit of the Americas. It was really surprising as it led to a stacked field with fellow Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen.
The 42-year-old driver is scheduled to compete in two more Cup Series races at the Chicago Street Course and Indy Road Course; however, Button might be looking for more races beyond the 2023 NASCAR season.
Jenson Button ‘seriously’ looking into becoming a NASCAR driver
Button piloted the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing to an 18th-place finish at Circuit of the Americas two weeks ago. The entry also received support from Stewart-Haas Racing and will for his next two events.
After the race at Circuit of the Americas, Button admitted that he almost stopped due to heat exhaustion. The 2009 Formula 1 champion still finished the race with a good top-20 result in his debut.
Despite the physical toll on Button’s body during the event, he still had lots of fun to the point where he might be serious about a future in NASCAR. This is something no one could have seen coming.
Joe Saward released an article that talked about several topics relating to Formula 1 from Australia and dropped this storyline regarding Button as he traveled to the race last weekend.
“There were two other stories worth mentioning. One was that Jenson Button is so enthused by his recent adventure in NASCAR that he is seriously looking at trying to become a full-time NASCAR driver in the future, on ovals as well as road courses, and as international drivers are what NASCAR is desperate to get these days, that could happen. Jenson is certainly up for it.”
Joe Saward on Jenson Button’s future in NASCAR
This is shocking because Button never ran a NASCAR race before Circuit of the Americas. On the other hand, it is not shocking because he has been working with Garage 56 since he will drive a modified NextGen car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller.
If Button is truly looking for a spot in NASCAR at 42 years old, there are a few spots that make sense for him. Continue reading to learn three bold NASCAR landing spots for Button in 2024!
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3 bold landing spots for Jenson Button as he looks to become a full-time NASCAR driver
As stated above, if Button is looking to become a full-time driver in NASCAR, there are a few spots that would be bold but good fits. All three of these landing spots come from the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series.
The No. 4 car for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Cup Series would be the best equipment Button receives but it is a really bold idea for the team. With Kevin Harvick retiring, the organization needs to hit on a replacement.
Perhaps, the organization would much rather gamble on an established NASCAR driver and not someone who doesn’t have much experience. If not the No. 4 car, what about the Xfinity Series program?
The No. 00 or 98 car would be a good fit as Button would replace one of the two current drivers if they jump to the Cup Series. It would not be on the biggest stage and the Formula 1 champion could develop his craft and possibly elevate to the Cup Series.
This would be the best option for Button in terms of his development but would he truly want to put all of that time into NASCAR if it is a lower series? If not, there is one final ride that would make sense.
Button could drive the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing as it would allow him to compete at NASCAR’s top level and grow into the equipment. The organization does not have the best equipment and if he performs well, a better team could give him a chance.
This feels like the most realistic option as Rick Ware Racing has a charter for the No. 15 car. Button would be able to live out his newly found dream while the organization employs a very popular face.
It would be great for NASCAR to see a popular international driver make the jump to full-time racing. Hopefully, Button can find a ride if he is truly committed to making this happen.