Aston Martin signs Jenson Button as team ambassador

Aston Martin has recruited 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button as a team ambassador on a multi-year deal, leveraging his deep history with new works partner Honda. The move sees Button transition from a similar role at Williams, where he debuted in F1, to a team poised for a major factory partnership shift in 2026.

Why it matters:

This strategic signing connects Aston Martin's future directly with its past, specifically its upcoming works partnership with Honda. Button is the most experienced Honda driver in F1 history and brings immense credibility as a champion, which the team can deploy across commercial, media, and partner activities. It signals Aston Martin's intent to build a compelling narrative and expert foundation as it prepares to become a Honda works team in two years.

The details:

• Button's new role will focus on supporting Aston Martin's "media, partner and commercial" Formula 1 operations. The team highlighted his "credibility, global recognition, storytelling, perspective and passion" as key assets.
• The connection is deeply rooted in history. Button made 142 Grand Prix starts with Honda power—more than any other driver, including Ayrton Senna—and scored Honda's last win as a full constructor at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.
• He recently concluded an ambassador and advisor role with Williams, the team he debuted for in 2000, which lasted from 2021 to 2025.
• Button retired from professional racing after the 2025 World Endurance Championship with Cadillac Team Jota, citing the intense learning curve required for modern endurance prototypes and a desire to focus on historic racing.

What's next:

All eyes are on the 2026 season, when new power unit regulations take effect and Aston Martin's works partnership with Honda begins in earnest. Button's appointment is a clear piece of long-term preparation for that new era.

• In his statement, Button pointed directly to the Honda partnership as "a huge draw" and expressed excitement about joining during a "transformative time."
• His experience and public profile will be key tools for Aston Martin as it seeks to elevate its brand and technical story alongside a major manufacturer, aiming to transition from a midfield contender to a consistent front-runner.