Ever since Jenson Button announced he wouldn't be driving in Formula 1 for 2017, speculation has emerged around just what he might do in his first season off. While nothing official has yet been confirmed, JB has now suggested a few ideas in a recent interview with motorsport.com.
"I might do the Suzuka 1000 Kilometres Super GT" he said, Honda of course running a new NSX Concept-GT in the series. The benefit of the Suzuka race is that third drivers can be brought into the team, meaning that Button wouldn't have to compete in a full season. He's earned some time off, right?
The other possibility is rallycross, rather excitingly. Honda runs a Civic Coupe in the American Global Rallycross series already with Red Bull for Sebastian Eriksson and Joni Wilman. "I might do some rallycross in America, and do some testing in something else in rally cross", Button said. Asked about a full season in rally cross he stated "definitely", although not until some point in the future. "I think it's a massively growing sport", he added "especially with... VW pulling
out of rallying
. I know their main aim is not rallycross, but it will definitely help their rallycross programmes."
Furthermore, Button suggested that he may not be limited to just Honda drives. While direct competitors would probably be a bit tricky, he has implied that his future doesn't just lie in a Honda or McLaren seat.
And his F1 legacy? "I'm pretty happy with what I've achieved. Now I move forward, and I race for fun." Doesn't sound a bad way to make a living...
So what would you like to see Jenson Button race in his F1 retirement? Honda has a WTCC team, don't forget, and there's the McLaren GT3 effort as well. Dare we even suggest Le Mans? It promises to be an exciting future!