Wolff dismisses rivals' complaints as Aston Martin signs Button as ambassador

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has bluntly told rival teams complaining about a power unit technicality to "get their s**t together," dismissing their concerns as excuses. In a separate major move, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has joined Aston Martin in an ambassadorial role, marking a strategic signing for the team and a reunion with Honda power for 2026.

Why it matters:

These developments highlight two critical fronts in modern F1: the intense technical and political battles over car performance, and the strategic importance of high-profile personnel moves. Wolff's comments reveal the simmering tensions as teams seek any advantage under the current regulations, while Aston Martin's signing of Button signals an aggressive push to bolster its brand and technical expertise ahead of a crucial new engine era.

The details:

• Wolff's Rebuke: The controversy centers on a compression-ratio adjustment device used by the Mercedes and Red Bull Ford power units. Despite rivals' complaints, the FIA has decided not to outlaw the system for now. Wolff characterized the complaints from some teams as "looking for excuses" rather than legitimate technical grievances.
• Button's New Role: Jenson Button, who ended his full-time driving career in November 2024, will serve as an ambassador for Aston Martin starting in 2026. This move reunites him with Honda, the power unit supplier he scored his first podium and Grand Prix win with during his early F1 career.
• Strategic Implications for Aston Martin: Button's role is expected to extend beyond ceremonial duties, leveraging his vast experience and respected media profile. His history with Fernando Alonso, a former teammate at McLaren and now Aston Martin's star driver, adds a compelling narrative layer to the team's dynamics.

What's next:

The technical debate over power units is unlikely to fade, setting the stage for further political maneuvering within the F1 Commission. For Aston Martin, integrating Button into its corporate and technical structure is a long-term play, aiming to capitalize on his insight and popularity as the team prepares for its works partnership with Honda in 2026. Both stories underscore the relentless pursuit of marginal gains and strategic positioning that defines the off-track competition in Formula 1.