Jenson Button joins Aston Martin as Team Ambassador ahead of 2026

Under a multi year agreement, Button will support Aston Martin’s media, partner and commercial programmes as Formula 1 enters a defining new era. The team views the appointment as a strategic addition, combining championship credibility with first hand experience across multiple technical cycles.

The timing is significant. The 2026 season brings new power unit and chassis regulations and marks the start of Aston Martin’s works partnerships with Honda, Aramco and Valvoline. For Button, whose career bridged several regulation resets, the role offers an opportunity to contribute to another generational shift within the sport.

Button’s connection to Honda is central to the appointment. He claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix with Honda power and went on to secure the World Championship in 2009 with Brawn GP, using Mercedes engines developed from Honda’s original project. More recently, he added to his career record by winning the Super GT Championship in Japan with Honda, underlining a relationship that has endured well beyond his Formula 1 career.

This continuity gives Button a perspective that Aston Martin believes will be valuable as it builds towards 2026, drawing on lessons from previous eras of transformation and long term manufacturer partnerships.

Button will also reunite with Fernando Alonso, having previously raced alongside the Spaniard during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The pairing brings together two World Champions with shared experience of Honda powered projects and the pressures of competing at the highest level during periods of technical change.

As Team Ambassador, Button will represent Aston Martin at global events, partner activations and media engagements, acting as a bridge between the team’s competitive ambitions and its expanding international audience.

Button said the scale of change arriving in 2026 made the role particularly compelling: “Joining Aston Martin Aramco during such a transformative time in the team and the sport’s history is really exciting for me.

"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.”

His reference to Honda reflects the importance of continuity as Aston Martin transitions into a full works operation. Button’s career has repeatedly intersected with manufacturers at moments of reset, offering insight into how teams adapt their structures, cultures and expectations under new rules.

Aston Martin’s commercial leadership highlighted Button’s ability to connect with fans and partners as a key factor in the decision.

Jefferson Slack, Managing Director of Commercial at Aston Martin Aramco, explained the broader value of the appointment, he said: “Jenson is one of the most respected figures in modern Formula 1 and we are delighted to welcome him to Aston Martin Aramco as Team Ambassador.

"He brings World Championship pedigree, deep experience with Honda, and an outstanding ability to connect with fans and partners around the world.

"As we enter the sport’s defining new era in 2026, Jenson’s insight and presence will be a valuable asset as we continue building this team for long term success.”

For Aston Martin, the move aligns sporting ambition with brand positioning as it prepares for the most significant regulation change in a decade.

Button’s ambassadorial role is designed to complement on track development, reinforcing the team’s narrative as it targets competitiveness under the 2026 framework.

With testing and early development already underway behind the scenes, the appointment signals Aston Martin’s intent to combine experience, manufacturer backing and global reach as Formula 1 approaches a pivotal moment in its modern history.