In a devastating turn of events at the Bahrain International Circuit, former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button saw his World Endurance Championship title hopes evaporate in cruel fashion during the season's final race.
Heartbreak for British Racing Icon
The 2009 F1 champion, driving for the British JOTA team alongside Oliver Rasmussen and Philip Hanson, appeared poised for championship glory until disaster struck. Their #38 Porsche 963 hypercar suffered a catastrophic gearbox failure just two hours into the gruelling eight-hour contest, forcing an immediate retirement that shattered their title ambitions.
Championship Hopes Vanish in Mechanical Meltdown
"It's absolutely gutting," Button confessed to reporters after the incident. "We were right in the championship fight, the car felt strong, and then suddenly - nothing. The gearbox just let go completely."
The British team had entered the finale sitting second in the championship standings, trailing the leading Hertz Team Jota by just twelve points. With double points on offer in the final round, the stage was set for a dramatic showdown under the Bahraini floodlights.
From Title Contenders to Spectators
Button's team watched helplessly as their rivals capitalised on their misfortune. The championship ultimately went to the #6 Porsche 963 of Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor, who secured both the race victory and the world title.
"We showed all season we had the pace and the team to win this championship," Button reflected. "To end like this, through no fault of our own, is particularly hard to take. But that's motorsport - it can be brutally unpredictable."
Silver Linings After Season of Success
Despite the bitter conclusion, Button remains proud of his team's achievements throughout the campaign. The JOTA squad claimed victory at the iconic 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and secured multiple podium finishes, establishing themselves as genuine title contenders against factory-backed operations.
"We proved that a privateer team can mix it with the big manufacturers," Button stated. "This team has incredible spirit, and we'll come back stronger next season. The disappointment today doesn't erase what we've accomplished together."
The dramatic finale caps off a remarkable season that saw Button successfully transition from F1 punditry and supercar projects to becoming a genuine force in world endurance racing, demonstrating that championship-winning talent transcends racing disciplines.
