Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion and an Aston Martin Ambassador, has said Fernando Alonso's contract extension is important for the team and that the Spaniard's motivation depends on seeing the project improve. Button spoke to F1.com about the announcement.
The deal and the team's position
According to F1.com, Aston Martin confirmed at the end of September that Alonso, aged 45, will stay on. The team will keep the same line-up for 2027, with Lance Stroll alongside him. Alonso will be racing in his 24th F1 season, and he turns 46 midway through it. It will be his fifth campaign with the Silverstone-based squad.
The team is coming off a difficult 2026. F1.com reports that Aston Martin currently sit 10th in the Constructors' Championship and needed a B-spec update in Hungary to raise their level. Engine supplier Honda have lagged in performance, and reliability has also been a problem. Alonso has nonetheless scored seven points this year. The team has also brought in Adrian Newey as Team Principal as part of its push towards the top.
What Button says will motivate Alonso
Button acknowledged there is always some doubt over a driver of Alonso's age, noting that he himself retired from the sport ten years ago because he was tired. He said he was amazed by Alonso's dedication. On what keeps Alonso engaged, Button said:
"He is going to want to see progress, that is the main thing."
Button added that Alonso probably knows race wins are not close, but that moving nearer to them would keep him going. He described Alonso as someone who lives racing, driving a go-kart on his own track or ex-DTM cars when he is not in an F1 car.
Why continuity matters
Button pointed to the importance of atmosphere within a team, saying drivers need colleagues who believe in them to make the most of their talent. He said Alonso "seems at home" at Aston Martin. F1.com notes that the pairing produced eight podiums and fourth place in the 2023 Drivers' Championship.
Button called continuity between both drivers important, saying feedback from Alonso and Stroll is needed to develop a car that works for each of them. Alonso began his F1 career in 2001 with Minardi and won his two world titles with Renault two decades ago.
