F1 world champion addresses Vettel collaboration rumours

Cal Gaunt
Saturday 14 October 2023 16:57

Jenson Button has addressed claims that he implied Sebastian Vettel might be his new team-mate, as he considers a move to the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

While Vettel contemplates his post-retirement plans, Button is actively exploring new motorsport opportunities, possibly including racing in WEC and the IMSA SportsCar Championship next year.

However, when it was reported that Button hinted at a potential partnership with Vettel, the 2009 world champion clarified that he had never made such a statement.

Button will make his IMSA debut this weekend with JDC-Miller Motorsport's customer Porsche 963, and if he enjoys the experience, he might consider making it a regular commitment in 2024.

Button denies Vettel link-up

“I honestly don’t know, I have a couple of options in IMSA to do a full season and to do enduros, I also have a couple of options to do WEC,” said Button on his future, as per Motorsport.com.

“First of all, I need to see if I enjoy this race weekend, and I think I will, and I’ve got a pass from the wife, so that’s another important thing!”

But Button would later deny that he suggested a link-up with Vettel, responding to a tweet from Motorsport.com, writing: “I didn’t say anything about a link-up with Seb.”

I didn’t say anything about a link up with Seb.

— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) October 14, 2023

Vettel, who is seven years younger than Button, has remained tight-lipped regarding his future plans. His most recent appearance was on the sidelines of the Japanese Grand Prix.

While the four-time world champion has apparently received a 'concrete' offer to compete in WEC with the British Hypercar team Jota, he has not yet made a decision.

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