Callum Ilott is six races into his debut World Endurance Championship season and has had the pleasure of sharing a car with Jenson Button throughout it.
The Brit came across from IndyCar after departing Juncos Hollinger Racing at the end of 2023, and has been impressive since making the WEC switch.
An opening season podium in Qatar, followed by a win at Spa a few rounds later showed how well he and his teammates work well together for JOTA.
He gets to do it alongside a Formula 1 champion in the form of Button, who has lived through just about every racing experience that one could imagine at the age of 44.
Callum Ilott shares why it’s ‘relaxing’ to race alongside Jenson Button
Ilott is still considered to be a young driver and exciting talent at the age of 25 – he only came second in Formula 2 four years ago after all.
But he never quite found the traction to make it to Formula 1, and has been left to compete outside of the sport and see his chances of a move to the sport fade away.
He’s found a home with JOTA’s WEC operation, which is improving by the day and has them sixth in the championship.
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Button’s influence has helped his performances on track, and Ilott pointed out to the Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast that he can have a calming presence when things get tough.
“I would probably say it’s more relaxing because he’s been through everything you can imagine as a racing driver,” he said.
“I would say you’re one of the first, if there is something there [to say] ‘it’s alright mate’ [if Ilott crashes].”
What does the future hold for both British drivers?
Button is yet to clarify what he is doing in 2025, having only signed up to compete full-time for this season originally.
But with the JOTA team improving by the day, he could be persuaded to give it another go – especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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For Ilott, there are a few IndyCar seats up for grabs, but he may opt to stay in Europe and keep driving in WEC.
There are no Formula 1 seats open for the Brit, but he has great advice from teammate Button if he really needs it at this stage of his career.
He may only be getting his feet wet in endurance racing, and may be searching for an opportunity higher up the grid to prove his credentials and win a first competitive championship in a top category of racing.