Formula 1 legend Jenson Button is making a monumental switch, trading his Williams ambassadorship for a multi-year deal with Aston Martin. This isn't just a personnel change; it's a strategic coup for the Silverstone-based squad, particularly with their upcoming Honda engine partnership.
This news solidifies Aston Martin's long-term vision. Bringing in a figure of Button's stature, an F1 World Champion, adds significant weight and expertise. His extensive career saw him compete in 306 Grands Prix, bringing invaluable perspective to the team.
“Joining Aston Martin during such a transformative time in the team and the sport’s history is really exciting for me,” Button said. “Honda’s new works partnership with the team was a huge draw and I look forward to bringing my years of experience working with them to my new role as ambassador. The 2026 season is going to be fascinating and being part of such an ambitious team is a real opportunity. I can’t wait for Melbourne!”
The Honda Connection: A Perfect Alignment
This partnership feels destined. While Button never raced for the team under its previous guises (Jordan, Force India), his history with Honda is unparalleled. He amassed an incredible 142 Grand Prix starts with Honda power, more than any other driver, including a memorable victory at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix for the factory Honda F1 Team.
This deep-rooted relationship provides a powerful link as Aston Martin prepares to become a Honda works team from the 2026 season. Button also clinched the 2018 Super GT title with Honda, further cementing his bond with the Japanese manufacturer.
Beyond the Track: Button's New Mission
Button's role will involve extensive support across Aston Martin's media, partner, and commercial initiatives. His global recognition and engaging storytelling ability are precisely what the team needs to amplify its presence and narrative. It's about leveraging his "credibility, global recognition, storytelling, perspective and passion," as the team rightly highlighted.
Button himself expressed excitement, citing Honda's new works partnership as a huge draw. He looks forward to bringing his experience to this ambitious team, especially with the fascinating 2026 season on the horizon. His eagerness for Melbourne hints at an immediate engagement with the F1 calendar.
The Farewell to Full-Time Racing
Looking back, Button concluded his professional racing career after the 2025 World Endurance Championship with Cadillac Team Jota, and he made this decision to focus on historic racing outings.
At 44 years of age, he openly admitted that the learning curve for new systems takes longer than when he was in his twenties. It's a testament to his dedication and realistic assessment of the sport's relentless evolution.
“If you want to race in endurance you have got to be in it the whole time,” he explained last September. “You need to have learned what is happening with the car, the systems. Every time I get in the car there is something different and new learning again.
