Button Breaks Rank on Alonso Retirement, Marko Poses Horner Theory

Sky F1 pundit Jenson Button has publicly suggested Fernando Alonso consider retirement, while former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen would have won the 2025 title if the team had dismissed Christian Horner sooner. These comments headline a busy news day that also includes Audi confirming its 2026 team name and launch date, and details emerging about Red Bull's 2026 car design.

Why it matters:

Button's direct advice to a fellow world champion breaks from the typical paddock deference, highlighting the ongoing conversation about driver longevity. Meanwhile, Marko's persistent criticism of Horner underscores the lingering internal tensions that many believe contributed to Red Bull's performance struggles and ultimate championship loss to McLaren.

The details:

• Button on Alonso: The 2009 champion suggested Alonso, the sport's most experienced driver with 425 starts, should retire to "continue the journey" with his own children. Alonso's current Aston Martin contract runs through the end of 2026.
• Marko's Horner Theory: Marko asserts that Red Bull "had to act" on Horner due to the poor performance of the RB21 in the first half of 2025. He claims an earlier dismissal could have secured the title for Verstappen over Lando Norris. Both Horner and Marko left Red Bull in 2025.
• Audi's 2026 Plans: The Swiss-based team confirmed it will compete as the Audi Revolut F1 Team, launching its official livery in Berlin on January 20. The financial services company Revolut is the new title sponsor.
• Red Bull's RB22 Design: Early reports indicate the 2026 Red Bull will feature a double-pushrod suspension layout. This car will be the first powered by Red Bull's new in-house Powertrains division, developed in collaboration with Ford.
• Masi's New Role: Former FIA race director Michael Masi has been appointed Event Director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship in New Zealand. He left the FIA following the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The big picture:

The day's news reflects Formula 1's constant state of transition—both on and off the track. Veteran drivers face questions about their futures, top teams grapple with the aftermath of internal strife, and new manufacturers like Audi solidify their plans for the sport's next major regulatory shift in 2026. These stories collectively paint a picture of a sport preparing for its next chapter.