Aston Martin have appointed 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button as a team ambassador on a multi-year deal ahead of the sport’s major regulation overhaul in 2026.
Button returns to the Formula
One paddock in an official capacity after holding a similar role with Williams from 2021 to 2025. Unlike his time at Williams, however, the Briton never raced for Aston Martin or its previous incarnations during his driving career.
The appointment strengthens Aston Martin’s ties with Honda, which will become the team’s works engine partner in 2026. Button’s long-standing relationship with the Japanese manufacturer has been a defining feature of his career.
He joined Honda-powered BAR in 2003 and claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory in 2006 after the team transitioned into the Honda works outfit.
Button was poised to defend his title with Honda in 2009 before the manufacturer’s sudden withdrawal from Formula One forced the team to rebrand as Brawn GP — a move that ultimately delivered him his sole world championship.
Button later reunited with Honda during the manufacturer’s ill-fated return with McLaren in 2015 and 2016, where he was team-mates with Fernando Alonso — now Aston Martin’s lead driver.
His final Formula One appearance came as a stand-in for Alonso at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, before going on to win the Super GT title with Honda in Japan in 2018.
Aston Martin highlighted Button’s “enduring partnership” with Honda as a key factor behind the appointment, calling it a thread that runs through many of his career-defining achievements.
The move also reunites Button and Alonso, bringing together two world champions with shared experience at the very top of the sport.
“Joining Aston Martin Aramco during such a transformative time in the team and the sport’s history is really exciting,” Button said.
“Honda’s new works partnership was a huge draw, and the 2026 season is going to be fascinating. I can’t wait for Melbourne.”
