- Jenson Button says Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin renewal is crucial to the team’s long-term project.
- Button believes Alonso will remain motivated if Aston Martin continues to make visible progress toward race-winning performance.
- Aston Martin is targeting a recovery after a difficult 2026 season, with Adrian Newey involved and Honda performance and reliability still concerns.
Jenson Button explains why Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin renewal matters
Jenson Button believes Fernando Alonso’s decision to continue with Aston Martin is hugely important for the Silverstone-based Formula 1 team, particularly as it works to recover from a challenging 2026 season. Aston Martin confirmed at the end of September that the 45-year-old Spaniard would remain with the team, preserving an unchanged driver line-up with Lance Stroll for 2027.
The agreement means Alonso will enter his 24th F1 season next year. The two-time World Champion, who won both titles with Renault two decades ago, will continue working with Aston Martin as the team attempts to move up from 10th in the Constructors’ Championship. Aston Martin introduced a B-specification update in Hungary to improve its performance, but Honda’s engine has remained short of the required pace and reliability has also been a significant issue.
Aston Martin continues to hold ambitious plans for the future, including its recruitment of Team Principal Adrian Newey. Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion and an Aston Martin Ambassador, believes Alonso’s commitment will depend heavily on whether he can see the project moving in the right direction.
“I mean, there always has to be a little bit of doubt, because he’s 45 years old now,” Button told F1.com when asked if there were any doubts Alonso would stick around. “I’ve been out of the sport for 10 years, and I retired because I was tired!
“I mean it always has to be a little bit of that, but it amazes me – his dedication and how much he loves competing at the top level, and he’s still got it. So why not then keep going until he doesn’t want it anymore?
“He is going to want to see progress, that is the main thing. He probably knows he’s not going to win races any time soon, but as long as he can see progress and he is moving closer to that win, that’s what’s going to keep him going.”
Alonso’s motivation and remarkable Formula 1 longevity
Alonso and Aston Martin are preparing for a fifth campaign together in 2027. The renewal adds another chapter to a career that began with Minardi in 2001 and later included spells with Renault, McLaren and Ferrari. Alonso will turn 46 midway through next season, yet Button continues to be impressed by the Spaniard’s dedication to motorsport.
“I don’t know how he does it,” Button continued. “I really don’t. He lives racing, he lives F1. When he’s not in an F1 car he’s in a go-kart on his track or he’s driving ex-DTM cars.
“He’s always driving something, and that’s his passion, and he likes driving on dirt as well. He keeps himself very busy with racing, and fair play to him.
“For me, it was great to retire from F1 to go and do other things. Also, I’ve got other things I want to do in life, but his dedication to motorsport is undeniable and I think unparallelled.”
Asked whether Alonso is still performing at the highest level of his career, Button said: “I don’t think you can compare really because the sport’s changed so much. But he’s still putting in an unbelievable effort and also what he’s achieving.
“It’s funny with Fernando, because 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 these] little adjustments the whole time and it’s great to have the talent of Fernando in the sport.”
Why Aston Martin’s environment suits Fernando Alonso
Alonso’s partnership with Aston Martin appeared particularly effective in 2023, when he scored eight podium finishes and ended the season fourth in the Drivers’ Championship. Despite the team’s struggles this year, Alonso has still collected seven points, underlining the determination that Button believes remains central to his performances.
Button also highlighted the importance of a team’s atmosphere in helping a driver perform at their best. He said Aston Martin’s identity, resources and working environment appear to have created a strong fit for Alonso, while stressing that on-track performance remains the most important factor.
“A few years ago, when they were getting podiums, it felt amazing,” Button recalled. “But now I think someone with his experience, this team has had world champions racing for them for quite a few years now, and I think it’s an interesting brand for racing drivers.
“We love cars, it’s got Aston Martin in the title – that’s nice – but to be fair it’s more about the performance on track and the team of people you have around you. You need them to believe in you as well, and sometimes that doesn’t happen with a team, and you see it time and time again with drivers jumping in cars.
“You know, they’re the next big thing and then it doesn’t work. You go somewhere else and then it works, so atmosphere is really important in making sure drivers feel comfortable and they can maximise their talents and skills. It seems to work really well, and [Alonso] seems at home.”
Button described Alonso’s renewal as an important boost for the entire Aston Martin project. Maintaining continuity with both Alonso and Stroll will give the team two established sources of feedback as it works to develop a car capable of consistently fighting for points.
“I think that’s really important for this team and continuity with both drivers is really important,” Button said, commenting on that announcement. “They’ve been through the rough and hoping for the smooth, and the feedback from both of them is really key.
“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 as well, you need that. That’s when you’re fighting for points.”
Why This Matters
Alonso’s continued presence gives Aston Martin experience, technical feedback and stability while the team seeks to improve its car and power-unit performance. His renewal also provides continuity alongside Lance Stroll as Aston Martin develops its long-term project with Adrian Newey involved. The team’s ability to show measurable progress will be central to maintaining Alonso’s motivation and turning its future ambitions into stronger results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fernando Alonso staying with Aston Martin?
Alonso has re-signed with Aston Martin for 2027, continuing an unchanged line-up with Lance Stroll as the team works to improve its performance.
What does Jenson Button say will keep Alonso motivated?
Button says Alonso will want to see progress and feel that Aston Martin is moving closer to winning races.
What challenges does Aston Martin face?
Aston Martin is currently 10th in the Constructors’ Championship. The team has needed a B-specification update to raise its performance level, while Honda’s engine performance and reliability have remained concerns.