Jenson Button has compared racing against Fernando Alonso with battling Michael Schumacher, praising the Spaniard’s aggressive but fair approach and ability to adapt to any Formula 1 car.
Writing in his Jenson’s Journal column for Aston Martin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, the 2009 F1 world champion reflected on Alonso’s career as speculation continues over whether the Aston Martin driver will remain in the championship beyond the 2026 season.
“The biggest compliment I can give Fernando is that fighting him was very similar to fighting with Michael Schumacher,” Button wrote. “In my experience against them it would be hard but fair – it was on the limit every time and I loved that. That was part of the challenge.
“When I won my first grand prix in Hungary, I was fighting against them and that’s what you want as a driver. You want to be fighting against the best, against the greats, to see how you compare.
“In my career I got to race against the likes of Fernando and Michael, as well as Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. I’ve been really lucky to have raced against some of the true legends of the sport.”
Button also highlighted Alonso’s distinctive driving style and versatility across different cars and set-ups.
“Fernando drives like no one else. He’s aggressive, he can adapt brilliantly, and it’s been that way all through his career.”
Jenson Button backs Fernando Alonso to continue in F1
Alonso, 45, has faced growing questions about his Formula 1 future. Rumours of retirement and a possible move to Alpine have circulated, but the Aston Martin driver has not yet confirmed his plans beyond the 2026 season.
“Obviously, this year has been tough, but it’s still an exciting time to be at Aston Martin Aramco and to be working with people like Adrian Newey. Any F1 driver would love to race a car designed by him, and to experience first-hand him driving this team forward,” Button added.
“I know how difficult it is to decide your future, and he’s been there once before. He left the sport and came back, so he obviously left too early. Now, he will make sure that he’s 100 per cent certain that he doesn’t want to be in the sport before he leaves.
“Fernando’s still got so much more to give in F1. I would love to see him in an Aston Martin fighting for wins. That’s where he should be, and it’s where this team is aiming to be.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
Source: www.motorsport.com
