Jenson Button makes a HUGE confession regarding Le Mans NASCAR entry, says he felt it was the ‘biggest mistake’ of his life

After the first five laps at Daytona, Jenson Button was skeptical about his decision to join NASCAR Garage 56 Le Mans program.

Jenson Button makes a HUGE confession regarding Le Mans NASCAR entry, says he felt it was the ‘biggest mistake’ of his life

Jenson Button (Image via NASCAR)

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button returned to Le Mans five years after his first attempt. He admitted that he felt it was the biggest mistake of his life joining the NASCAR Garage 56 Le Mans Program. However, Button clarified that he now loves to drive the car. The 2009 F1 title winner got behind the wheels of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Button is part of a legendary line-up, he is paired with the iconic seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller, the 2010 Le Mans winner. The Briton and the team were over the moon when they witnessed the qualifying pace of the converted Chevrolet Camaro. Their car was 4 seconds faster than the challenging GTE Am cars. Though it exceeded Button’s expectations, the 43-year-old had a confession about his Le Mans entry. 

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Jenson Button claimed that his first experience with the Chevrolet had him confused. He stated, “It’s funny because the first time I drove this car was at Daytona, and for the first five laps, I thought it was the biggest mistake of my life signing up to this!” Though he questioned the decision of signing up, Button got used to it and declared his love for driving the car. 

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Jenson Button reveals it took time to get used to the car

Jenson Button (Image via PlanetF1)
Jenson Button (Image via PlanetF1)

Button added, “But you slowly get used to it, you get used to the weight, you get used to the size, but I hadn’t also driven for two-and-a-half years, which is quite a long time for a racing driver, so it took a while to get used to it, but I absolutely love it.” The Briton felt it was a fun car to drive once he got used to the weight.

Jenson Button explained the inner workings of the car. He compared the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to the other race cars where they hit the brake pedal and modulate off of it. But with this car, they stay on the brake pedal in the corner. Button labeled it a “fun car” due to the oversteer through the corners. 

Mike Rockenfeller also had a similar take on the ZL1. He confessed that the car is heavy but also cool and fun. Due to all the hype and interest around the project, Chevrolet is creating a special version of the ZL1. This road car will be called the Garage 56 Edition and will go on sale in 2024.

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