Jenson Button Confirms Final Pro Race at Bahrain WEC

Jenson Button: Bahrain WEC Will Be My Last Professional Race

2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has announced that the upcoming 8 Hours of Bahrain will mark the end of his professional racing career.

The 45-year-old Brit, who has been competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Team Jota, shared the news ahead of the final race of the 2025 WEC season.

“This will be my last race,” Button told BBC Radio Somerset. “I’ve always liked Bahrain, I think it’s a fun track, and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can because this will be the end of my professional racing career.”

Career Highlights: From F1 Champion to Versatile Racer

• Formula 1 World Champion in 2009 with Brawn GP

• 306 F1 starts over an 18-year career, with 15 Grand Prix victories

• Competed in Le Mans 24, Super GT, Extreme E, and Rallycross

• Final pro campaign: WEC with Team Jota (2024–2025)

After retiring from Formula 1 in 2016, Button transitioned into multiple motorsport categories, embracing endurance, electric off-road, and touring car formats.

Family First: Button Explains His Decision

The former F1 star said the choice to retire from full-time professional racing was not a difficult one.

“My life has got way too busy and it’s not fair on the team or on myself to go into 2026 and think I’m going to have enough time for it,” Button said.

“My kids are four and six. You’re away for a week and you miss so much — you don’t get this time back.”

He acknowledged that while racing with Team Jota in WEC has been enjoyable, the commitment required for another full season clashed with his responsibilities as a father.

What’s Next? Classic Car Racing for Fun

Though he is stepping away from professional motorsport, Button isn’t hanging up his helmet completely. He plans to continue racing — but on his own terms.

“I’ve got classic cars I love to race. For me, that’s exciting because it’s mine — a car that I own — and I love the mechanical aspect,” he said.

“You’re really connected to it, having to heel-and-toe, getting the gear shift just right, no aero… it’s all mechanical.”