Jenson Button has opened up about Fernando Alonso’s genuine belief in the Adrian Newey project at Aston Martin, while also questioning whether time is on the Spaniard’s side.
Button, who officially retired from motor racing in November 2025 after two seasons in the World Endurance Championship, now serves as a team ambassador for Aston Martin in the 2026 season.
The 2009 world champion has been reunited with former McLaren team-mate Alonso through his new role at the Silverstone-based squad, alongside his broadcasting duties with Sky Sports F1.
Speaking to media including GPFans at an event hosted by global ticket marketplace viagogo, Button outlined the clear difference between his own role and that of Alonso within the team.
“We have very different roles in the team now. For me, you know, I’m not involved in development. I’m not involved in engineering. I’m involved with partners, sponsors, prospects, keeping everyone positive as much as I can,” Button explained.
“Fernando’s role is to try and stay positive, uplift everyone at the factory, and work as hard as you can in developing and working out how they can improve this car,” he continued, defining the two distinct functions the former champions serve.
Aston Martin have faced a difficult 2026 campaign, navigating challenges with their new Honda power unit and the first car designed under the watch of legendary technical mind Adrian Newey.
Having observed Alonso and Newey working closely together at the factory, Button gave a candid insight into how the two-time world champion truly feels about the project.
“I’m sure he has real belief in Adrian. But it’s just, it’s a time thing for Fernando,” Button said, acknowledging the tension between Alonso’s ambition and the reality of his age.
Button expanded on that sentiment, noting that Alonso’s contract uncertainty stems largely from whether he can afford to wait for the car to reach its potential, saying: “He’s not getting any younger, so I think that’s where he’s not sure about… that’s why he’s not sure about his future, because he’s not sure whether he can wait around.”
Despite that uncertainty, Button made his personal preference clear: “But I think he should, really do, because I’d love to see Fernando fighting for wins in an Aston Martin.”
On the question of retirement, Button referenced Alonso’s history with the sport, saying: “We know what happens when Fernando retires, because it’s happened already. So, it’s not the first time he’s retired from Formula 1.”
Button also praised his former team-mate’s broader abilities, saying: “I’ve obviously been team-mates with Fernando for a couple of years and to see the way that he works and his skill set, not just in terms of driving, but out of the car as well, is pretty exceptional.”
With rumours circulating about a potential departure from Aston Martin, Button addressed what it would mean if the 44-year-old chose to walk away from the team.
“I still think he’s got years in him to be competitive and fight for podiums and wins. I really do. So, it will be a shame if he leaves, but I also respect it, because as a driver it takes a lot of thought in terms of when you retire and making sure it’s the right time,” he said.
Button drew on his own experience of retirement to illustrate the point, recalling: “For me, everyone said 36 is way too young to retire, but I’d spent three years trying to retire. So it was the right time once the 2016 season hit.”
He concluded with a message of support for his former team-mate regardless of what comes next: “So, I hope he stays, but if he leaves, I respect that, and I’ll be watching him wherever he goes.”