Jenson Button on Alonso's Drive to Continue with Aston Martin

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion and current Aston Martin Ambassador, has offered his perspective on Fernando Alonso's decision to stay with Aston Martin for another season. According to Button, as long as Alonso sees progress, that's what will keep him motivated to continue racing.

Alonso, at 45, is set to compete in his 24th F1 season in 2027, sticking with the unchanged driver lineup at Aston Martin alongside Lance Stroll. This decision comes after a tough 2026 season that saw the team languishing in 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship. A mid-season B-spec update in Hungary helped to improve their performance, but issues with their Honda engine's performance and reliability persisted. Despite these challenges, Aston Martin remains ambitious, having recruited Team Principal Adrian Newey to aid their quest for success.

Reflecting on Alonso's enduring career, Button remarked, "There always has to be a little bit of doubt, because he's 45 years old now. I've been out of the sport for 10 years, and I retired because I was tired!" Button noted that Alonso's dedication to racing at the top level is impressive, and as long as the team shows signs of improvement, Alonso will likely remain engaged.

Alonso's love for racing is evident, as Button pointed out: "He lives racing, he lives F1. When he's not in an F1 car, he's in a go-kart or driving ex-DTM cars. He keeps himself very busy with racing, and fair play to him." Button himself enjoyed retiring from F1 to pursue other interests, but he acknowledged Alonso's unparalleled dedication to motorsport.

Button also commented on Alonso's unique style, stating, "Most drivers look very similar. If you put them all in the same kind of car, you wouldn't be able to tell who's who. With Fernando, you tell immediately. He's up in the steering wheel and he's doing little adjustments the whole time."

The partnership between Alonso and Aston Martin has been fruitful, especially in 2023 when Alonso secured eight podiums and a fourth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship. Even in the challenging 2026 season, Alonso managed to collect seven points, demonstrating his relentless determination.

Button emphasized the significance of a supportive team environment for a driver’s success. "Atmosphere is really important in making sure drivers feel comfortable and they can maximize their talents and skills," he said. He believes that Alonso is at home with Aston Martin, and his continued presence is a morale boost for the team.

Button also discussed the importance of feedback from both drivers, stating, "Fernando is obviously the one that's won the world championships, but Lance's feedback is also important. We need two drivers' feedback to enhance the car and to make a car that works for both drivers."

Alonso's decision to stay with Aston Martin is not just a personal choice but a strategic one for the team, as they aim to improve and compete more fiercely in the future.