Button says progress will keep Alonso motivated at Aston Martin

Jenson Button believes Fernando Alonso's decision to stay at Aston Martin matters greatly for the team, and that as long as the Spaniard can see progress, it will keep him racing. The 2009 Formula 1 world champion, now an Aston Martin ambassador, spoke to F1.com about what the renewal means.

Progress is what keeps a 45-year-old veteran committed

Alonso's re-signing was confirmed at the end of September, with the squad keeping the same pairing alongside Lance Stroll for 2027. The two-time champion, whose titles came two decades ago with Renault, will start his 24th season next year, while the team looks to bounce back from a difficult 2026.

Button acknowledged there is always some doubt, given that Alonso is 45. He pointed to his own departure from the sport a decade ago, saying he stepped away because he was tired. Yet he is struck by Alonso's dedication and his enduring love of competing at the front. In Button's view, Alonso knows victories are not coming soon, so what will drive him is seeing the gap to a win shrink.

Aston Martin's climb back depends on results

The team sit 10th in the Constructors' Championship, and a B-spec update in Hungary was needed to lift performance. Even so, engine supplier Honda has been off the pace, and reliability has been a problem. Aston Martin still has lofty ambitions, having brought in Adrian Newey as team principal. For more on the engine picture, our report on why an Aston Martin-Red Bull engine deal is not on the cards is worth a read.

Atmosphere and continuity count as much as the car

Alonso's time with the team has often looked like a natural fit, especially in 2023, when he claimed eight podiums and finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship. This year, despite the struggles, he has still scored seven points, which Button sees as a testament to his determination. For more on the season's brighter moments, see our piece on Aston Martin exceeding expectations in Mexico.

Button stressed that the mood inside a team helps drivers perform. He noted that talents often arrive at new teams with big expectations and falter, while others thrive once they feel trusted, and he said Alonso seems at home at Aston Martin. He also welcomed the continuity of keeping both drivers, since consistent feedback from Alonso and Stroll is needed to build a car that suits both and gives the team a fight for points.

Alonso and Aston Martin now prepare for a fifth campaign together, and the Spaniard turns 46 midway through next season.