Aston Martin signs 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button as team ambassador

Aston Martin has appointed 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button as a team ambassador, a strategic move aligning with Honda's return as its works power unit partner for the 2026 season. Button, who won his first Grand Prix with Honda in 2006, will leverage his deep ties to the Japanese manufacturer and his global profile to support the team's commercial and promotional activities.

Why it matters:

This signing is a significant brand and strategic play for Aston Martin as it prepares for a pivotal new era. Button’s firsthand experience with Honda during its previous F1 tenure provides a unique link between the team’s past and future, offering credibility and a compelling narrative for fans and partners as the team aims to become a consistent front-runner under the 2026 regulations.

The details:

• The Role: Button will represent Aston Martin at global events, partner programs, and media engagements. His official title is Team Ambassador.
• Honda Connection: His signing is intrinsically linked to Honda’s works partnership with Aston Martin starting in 2026. Button spent six seasons with the Honda factory team from 2003-2008, claiming his maiden F1 victory with them in 2006.
• Alonso Reunion: The move reunites Button with former McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso. The pair led the challenging McLaren-Honda project in 2015-2016.
• Dual Role: Button will maintain his existing advisory role with the Williams F1 team alongside this new ambassadorial position.

What’s next:

All eyes are now on the 2026 season, where Aston Martin’s new partnership with Honda and its ambitious car project, the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26, will be put to the test. Button’s role will be to build excitement and commercial momentum around this new chapter, starting with his anticipated presence at the 2026 season opener in Melbourne.