Jenson Button Joins Forces with Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, is set to embark on a new adventure in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Cadillac Hertz Team Jota. Button will team up with veteran drivers Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais in the #38 Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh, marking a significant shift in his racing career. This announcement comes as part of Jota’s reveal of its driver line-ups for the 2024 WEC season, which kicks off with the 10-hour Qatar 1812Km race on February 28.
A New Chapter for the Cadillac Racing Team
The #38 Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh will be Button’s new home, a car that combines cutting-edge technology and the prowess of three highly skilled drivers. Earl Bamber, a two-time勒芒24小时耐力赛冠军 and a seasoned endurance racer, brings a wealth of experience and a competitive edge to the team. Sebastien Bourdais, the four-time IndyCar champion, adds another layer of talent and versatility. Bourdais is transitioning from Cadillac’s IMSA squad to the WEC, further solidifying the team’s commitment to excellence.
The Sister Entry: Alex Lynn, Will Stevens, and Norman Nato
The #12 Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh will be driven by Alex Lynn, Will Stevens, and Norman Nato. This trio has a strong chemistry and a proven track record. Lynn and Nato, who have partnered since 2024, continue their successful collaboration, while Stevens, a former Formula 1 driver, adds his expertise to the mix. The #12 entry also marks the end of Lynn and Bamber’s three-year partnership at Chip Ganassi Racing, where they achieved significant success in both the WEC and IMSA series.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
Dieter Gass, the team principal of Jota’s WEC squad, emphasized the importance of team dynamics and driving style in forming the driver line-ups. "Our job was to establish which combinations made the most sense to maximise the overall strengths of the group," Gass said. "While character and personality play a big role in team dynamics, driving style and preferences were also key factors in determining who would be paired in each car." The team’s approach is centered on building a cohesive unit that can perform at the highest level, both on and off the track.
Pre-Season Testing and Team Spirit
David Clark, Jota’s director, highlighted the team’s focus on chemistry and team spirit. "Getting that chemistry right, not only between the drivers, but the entire team, is something we pride ourselves on," Clark noted. During pre-season testing, the team has already seen "an incredible team spirit build between our drivers and their crews." This positive atmosphere is crucial for a successful season, especially in the grueling WEC, where reliability and teamwork are as important as speed and skill.
Looking Ahead to the Qatar 1812Km
The WEC season begins with the two-day official prologue test in Qatar on February 21-22, a week before the race. Earl Bamber, who will also compete in the IMSA series with Action Express Racing, has made the WEC his priority. This means he will race in the Spa 6 Hours in May rather than the clashing Laguna Seca IMSA event. The countdown to the Qatar 1812Km has begun, and the Cadillac Hertz Team Jota is poised to make a strong start to the season.
With a lineup of experienced and talented drivers, a focus on team dynamics, and a commitment to excellence, Jenson Button and his teammates are well-prepared to make their mark in the 2024 WEC. The world of endurance racing is about to witness a new and exciting chapter, and all eyes will be on the #38 and #12 Cadillac V-Series.R LMDhs as they take to the track in Qatar.
