Jenson Button, the former Formula 1 world champion, is gearing up for his fourth appearance at the iconic Le Mans 24-hour race this weekend. Racing once again for the British-based Cadillac Hertz Team Jota, Button acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains hopeful about his team's prospects.

The Challenge Ahead

Button expressed his optimism despite the formidable competition from Toyota and Ferrari, who have shown superior pace in recent tests. However, he emphasized that Le Mans is not solely about speed. "This race isn't entirely about pace, it's about teamwork, not making mistakes through the night, consistency. All those areas we're very strong," Button told BBC Radio Somerset.

Experience and Teamwork

This year, Button will be driving alongside seasoned Le Mans winners Sebastien Bourdais and Earl Bamber in the Cadillac V-Series R. Bamber, who won the title with Porsche in 2015, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Button highlighted the importance of his teammates' experience, stating, "I come here with a team that has a lot of experience racing here and winning here in their two categories. Also, my two team-mates are very experienced so it helps me a lot get to grips with the car and the weekend."

Past Performances

Button's journey at Le Mans has been a mix of highs and lows. He first raced in 2018 for SMP Racing but retired due to engine issues. He returned in 2023 with Hendrick Motorsport in a NASCAR entry and last year competed for Jota in a Porsche-powered car. Reflecting on his previous attempts, Button said, "Last year was the first year really where I had a chance of winning in the top category."

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges, Button is excited about the race. "I'm really looking forward to the race. It's not going to be the easiest for us to get on the podium but it never is in a 24-hour race," he added. As he prepares for the grueling endurance race, Button's optimism and the strength of his team will be crucial in their quest for victory at Le Mans 2025.