Report: WEC Season Finale Highlights Departures and Controversies
In a poignant conclusion to his professional racing career, Jenson Button completed his final stint in the #38 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota, crossing the finish line amidst challenging conditions and finishing well down the standings. Button sported a commemorative helmet that honored the design created by his late father, John, during his early karting days.
In another notable departure, Bob Friend—affectionately known as ‘Jota Employee Number One’—is stepping back after 25 years with the team. Following a recent marriage, Friend’s next chapter includes a planned sabbatical from motorsport.
Yannick Dalmas, a co-founder of the World Endurance Championship and four-time Le Mans winner, also bid farewell post-race. Dalmas, who served in various capacities including Safety Car Driver, received a warm send-off as he waved the checkered flag, celebrating Toyota Gazoo Racing’s victory.
In terms of race incidents, Dani Juncadella faced a €5,000 fine, with €4,000 suspended until the end of the 2025 FIA WEC season, for unsportsmanlike behavior towards Augusto Farfus. Following a late-race collision while contesting position in the LMGT3 category, Juncadella retaliated with a disrespectful gesture after finally overtaking Farfus, echoing prior incidents from the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Additionally, the #15 BMW M Team WRT was fined €5,000 for an unsafe release, attributed to a poorly tightened rear right wheel bolt. This mishap necessitated the deployment of a Virtual Safety Car during the final hour as the affected car, driven by Dries Vanthoor, experienced difficulties at Turn 3.
These events underlined a dramatic and emotional finale to the season, marking the end of an era for several figures within the paddock.
