Is Jenson Button Returning To NASCAR? Inside the Former Star’s Itch to Get Back Behind The Wheel
Is Jenson Button returning to NASCAR? The British driver has raced extensively since retiring from F1. The 2009 F1 WDC even raced in NASCAR multiple times. And he’s not done yet.The Brit looks to return to the top division of American stock car racing. But what does that mean for him and the sport?
Is Button Eyeing Another NASCAR Run?
It’s been nearly three years since Button first dipped his toes into NASCAR competition, yet the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion still finds himself drawn back to stock cars, and fans are starting to wonder if this itch might finally become a reality. The British legend has already ticked many of motorsport’s boxes: F1 glory, Super GT success, and podiums at the 24 Hours of Daytona, but he hasn’t forgotten the unique challenge NASCAR presented.
Button’s initial foray into NASCAR came in 2023, when he lined up for three Cup Series starts with Rick Ware Racing at Circuit of the Americas, the Chicago Street Course, and the Indianapolis road course in a No. 15 Ford Mustang. It wasn’t a fairy-tale return. His best finish was 18th, but the Brit made enough of an impression for fans and insiders to take notice.
Jenson Button’s 2026 Plans
Fast-forward to early 2026, and Button’s comments at the Rolex 24 broadcast suggest that his NASCAR spark hasn’t dimmed. When asked about the upcoming NASCAR schedule, including a new San Diego Street Course weekend with all three national series racing, Button grinned and asked, “Has anyone got a Truck that wants me to drive it?” That line wasn’t just jokey banter; it was a clear sign he’s open to diving back behind the wheel in a competitive environment.
It’s not the first time Button has shown curiosity about stock car racing. His Garage 56 NASCAR entry at Le Mans in 2023 proved he enjoys heavy-metal racing machinery outside of open-wheel circles, and the experience only deepened his appreciation for the sport’s brutality and unpredictability.
Yet any potential Button return to NASCAR wouldn’t be without challenges. He’s currently stepping back from full-time racing following his 2025 World Endurance Championship exit, a decision tied to family commitments and scheduling priorities.
Next Steps
Still, Button’s recent public overtures strike a tone of unfinished business. Whether it’s the prospect of tackling a Truck Series street race or simply scratching a competitive itch, one thing is clear: he hasn’t closed the door on NASCAR. And for a driver who’s raced nearly everywhere there’s horsepower to be found, that lingering ambition makes the rumor mill even more intriguing for fans of motorsport’s most eclectic crossover stories. Thanks a bunch for reading!
