Formula 1 World Champion and endurance racing superstar Jenson Button has been named Grand Marshal of the 51st Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, set for August 13-16 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The renowned British driver, known for his versatility and style both on and off the track, will headline the annual gathering that ranks among the most prestigious vintage racing events in North America.
For fans of high-performance heritage, luxury automotive culture, and motorsports history, Button’s appointment brings added star power to an event already rich in provenance. With over 400 meticulously prepared, period-correct race cars competing across 14 race groups – including the eagerly-anticipated debut of a dedicated IROC class – this year’s Rolex Reunion promises a rare blend of authenticity, speed, and celebrity.
“I am incredibly honored to be named Grand Marshal of this legendary event,” said Button, who now lives in California. “This is the ultimate gathering of motorsports history and icons from the racing world, and I couldn’t be prouder to play a part.”
As Grand Marshal, Button will take part in a variety of ceremonial and fan-facing activities, including the opening ceremonies, autograph sessions, and guest commentary during the Mario Andretti Trophy race – an F1-themed battle that’s part of the official Formula 1 75th Anniversary celebrations.
Button will also suit up and compete behind the wheel in several groups. He’ll campaign his 1967 Alfa Romeo GT Jr., a 2011 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car, and a 1996 IROC Pontiac Firebird in the Unser Family Cup IROC category – a crowd favorite expected to channel the golden era of cross-discipline motorsport rivalries.
Best known for his 2009 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship with Brawn GP, Button enjoyed a 17-year F1 career with 15 wins and nearly 1,000 points scored. Today, he races for Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and recently celebrated a podium finish at Interlagos, Brazil. His motorsport repertoire spans nearly every major series, from the Rolex 24 at Daytona to the NASCAR Cup Series and the Race of Champions.
This year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is built around the global celebration of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary. A highlight of the weekend will be daily demonstrations and races featuring 25 historic F1 cars from the 1966–1985 non-turbo era – machines that defined Grand Prix racing’s most visceral decades.
The paddock display will be equally compelling, offering fans a close-up look at 30 rare and important Formula 1 cars. Among them: a 1956 Maserati 250F, the legendary 1966 Eagle Mk1, a turbocharged 1986 Benetton-BMW B186, and – most recently – a 2024 McLaren-Mercedes MCL38, the Constructors’ Championship winner driven by Lando Norris.
By blending championship-caliber driving talent like Button with a historic grid of motorsport legends, the Rolex Reunion bridges past and present with exquisite authenticity. As an experiential lifestyle event, it attracts collectors, connoisseurs, and vintage racing fans alike – united by a shared passion for high-performance machines and timeless design.
Whether you come for the cars, the competition, or the culture, this year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion promises to be one of the most dynamic yet.
Image Source: Friends of Laguna Seca