Why Jenson Button is 'jealous' of Aston Martin's drivers

2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button admits he is "a little bit jealous" of Aston Martin's current drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, but not for their results. His envy stems from their opportunity to work directly with legendary designer Adrian Newey and experience the complex new 2026-generation cars firsthand.

Why it matters:

Button's perspective bridges the gap between a champion driver's competitive instinct and his current role as a team ambassador. His candid admiration for Newey highlights the enduring, almost mythical status the designer holds within the sport, while his analysis of the 2026 technical challenges offers a unique driver's-eye view of F1's evolving demands.

The details:

• The Newey Factor: Button, who spent his career racing against Newey's dominant cars, is fascinated by the chance to work with him. He notes the designer's "old school" analog methods, like sketching in a notebook, and even joked about trying to sneak a peek at his drawings.
• A New Technical Era: The 2026 regulations present a steep learning curve. Button points out that modern hybrid power units require a new mental approach, as power delivery now depends on factors like prior brake pressure and energy deployment, not just throttle input.
• Diplomatic Perspective: Despite Aston Martin's disastrous start to 2026 with an unreliable Honda power unit, Button has offered no public criticism. Instead, he focuses on the intellectual puzzle the new cars present for Alonso and Stroll.

What's next:

Button's "jealousy" is a testament to the allure of a new technical challenge, even for a retired champion. While Aston Martin's present is bleak, the future shaped by Newey's designs and navigated by its drivers represents a compelling puzzle. Button's commentary suggests that success in this era will belong to drivers who can best adapt their mental approach to the car's complex systems, a challenge he clearly wishes he could still tackle from the cockpit.