Bal Harbour

or 17 seasons, British racing legend Jenson Button traveled the world to compete in Formula 1 champi- onships. Though the 44-year-old notched his first of 15 wins in 2006 in Mogyoród, Pest, Hungary, it was 2009's FIA Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship victory in São Paulo with the Brawn GP team and 201 1's wet-weat her t r iumph on t he la st lap of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal that best distinguish his acclaimed career. Since retiring from F1 in 2016, But ton has stayed active in motorsport—and this year he is testing his s t a m i n a t h rou ghout t he 2 02 4 F I A World E ndu r a nce Championship as part of Hertz Team JOTA, an undertaking that includes driving in France's historic 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June. O— the circuit, Button became a Rolex ambassador in 2021. It's a partnership he holds dear, anchored by a personal experience with the brand that conjures fond memories for his first F1 race, nearly 25 years ago. F " HAVING SO MANY CARS ON TRACK WITH YOU, IN NON-STOP TRAFFIC, IS INTENSE; THERE'S NO ROOM TO CATCH YOUR BREATH. — Jenson Button " distinguish But ton has testing his E ndu r a nce undertaking of Le of Le of ambassador a fond Though he retired from Formula 1 in 2016 after 15 momentous wins, racecar driver and Rolex ambassador Jenson Button has no intention of slowing down. BY DAVID GRAVER GOING THE DISTANCE This year's F1 calendar features a record- setting 24 races, from Japan to Mexico. How important is it for the sport to expand? It's important to broaden into new territories but also to recognize the historic racetracks that have produced such amazing contests over the years. The combination provides teams and drivers with a unique challenge and allows for different driving styles to prevail. Although F1 is in a really good place, we must continue to develop the sport so that it can be even better. That requires the support of everyone involved. The 2022 Miami Grand Prix seemed to mark a turning point for the sport in the US. Why? It's one of those races that everyone wants to attend, attracting people from around the world. It's glamorous and has so much going on beyond racing. This season marks 15 years since you won the 2009 FIA Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship at Interlagos in Brazil. What are your thoughts on this milestone? It feels like yesterday! My fondest memory is crossing the finish line and seeing the team going crazy on the pit wall—plus the atmosphere from the fans was surreal. Winning a race is great, but this is a different level: you're now a world champion. The first person I hugged was my dad, and that's a moment I'll never forget. You started this season in Florida, at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona. How was that race? I have wanted to race at Daytona for years, and it feels amazing to have finally competed there. I enjoy the style of endurance racing. Having so many cars on track with you, in non-stop traffic, is intense; there's no room to catch your breath. Rolex has been the official timepiece of F1 since 2013. What does this relationship mean to you? Rolex and F1 share a passion for advanced engineering, timeless appeal, and world-class competition, and they're both at the pinnacle of what they do. As a driver, the Rolex logo immediately makes you think of the historic ties that the brand shares with our sport. The relationship has spanned almost a century—from Sir Malcolm Campbell's land-speed records in the 1930s, to F1, endurance racing, and the classic automotive events of today. How would you describe F1's commitment to innovation? F1 is the best form of motor racing in the world. Aside from having the best drivers and the most fantastic races, it has the most advanced technologies while attracting the biggest manufacturers and partners that continue to push boundaries. What does it mean to be a Rolex Testimonee? It is an enormous privilege; representing the brand alongside legends of my field and other sports is truly an honor. Throughout my career, I've experienced Rolex's involvement with motorsport first-hand, but recently I've been fortunate to see the brand's connection with other disciplines too, from sailing to golf and tennis. Being immersed in these sports reinforces Rolex's original concept of the Testimonee—an individual going beyond what is deemed possible. My first memory of the brand was when I first entered F1 [in 2000]. Seeing people wearing a Rolex around the paddock was a symbol that I had made it, so it only felt right to mark my first year in F1 with a Cosmograph Daytona. I went out and bought myself and my father the same watch—the steel Daytona with a black face. It's a moment that I will never forget. Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button commemorated his first F1 race in 2000 with a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (pictured right). 40 BAL HARBOUR MAY 2024 SPECIAL EDITION P H OT 0 BY J A M E S M OY © R O L E X

• Cover