One world championship, claimed in 2009 with Brawn GP, more than 300 Grand Prix starts, 15 wins, 50 podiums, and 8 pole positions. These numbers tell the story of Jenson Button, former Formula 1 driver and current Team Ambassador for Aston Martin Aramco, making it clear that when he speaks, his words carry weight.
After recent setbacks within Lawrence Stroll’s team and amid the varied opinions on the new cars, Jenson Button stands out as a voice against the tide. “This year is particularly interesting because we’re entering a new technological era,” Jenson stated on the official Aston Martin website, “but some things never change: Formula 1 remains the pinnacle of motorsport. Nothing compares to the feeling of driving an F1 car – the power, the braking, the way the car moves beneath you when you’re at the limit. You never get tired of it. These machines are incredibly fast.”
Searching for the silver lining
But Jenson Button doesn’t stop at simply expressing fascination with the radical regulatory shift. The former F1 driver goes further, highlighting the positives of the new era at a time when criticism is pouring in from all sides. “The way these cars operate is evolving. The power units now behave very differently from what drivers were used to. In the past, you’d exit a corner knowing exactly how much power you had. Now it depends on factors like brake pressure in the previous corner and how the hybrid system distributes energy. It means drivers need to be quicker and ready to react. Those who master this will stand out for the right reasons, and those who don’t, will stand out for the wrong ones.”
At this point, one might naturally wonder where the Aston Martin drivers or the team as a whole stand, given the evident sporting nightmare they have been experiencing.
Adrian Newey, the “Figaro” everyone wants
Borrowing from Rossini, Adrian Newey has become Formula 1’s “Barber of Seville,” the Figaro that “everyone seeks, everyone wants.” Button is no exception. He openly said, “Watching Adrian work up close is fascinating. He’s an old-school man: notebook in hand, sketching ideas on a drawing table, and that’s exactly what makes him a master. He really is… I’d love to drive one of these next-generation cars, especially one designed by Newey. I’ve raced against many of his cars over the years and always wondered what it would be like to work with him. I think I’m a little envious of Lance and Fernando in that respect.”
This is a bold statement from the British driver, especially in light of Aston Martin’s early results in the first two Grands Prix. It’s easy to imagine that part of his ambassadorial role is also to be a steadfast supporter. “What excites me most about working with Aston Martin Aramco,” Jenson Button continues, “are the people. There’s a lot of talent here and great confidence in the direction the team is taking. Sure, the start of the season hasn’t been easy, but that’s Formula 1: an extremely competitive environment. In this sport, significant progress is always built over time.”
Jenson Button’s perspective offers a rare positive outlook on a season that has so far been dominated by technical complaints and reliability concerns. While the 2026 power units have their detractors, Button believes the added complexity will ultimately separate the greats from the merely good. Based on the content of his debut as an Ambassador, his role will be vital in maintaining team morale as Aston Martin works to unlock the true potential of their Newey-influenced designs.
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