Jenson Button, Aston Martin Team Ambassador, anticipates Fernando Alonso will delay any retirement decision until he is entirely certain of his future. Button’s assessment stems from Alonso’s previous exit from Formula 1 and subsequent return. Alonso, who turned 45 on July 29, 2026, is currently the oldest driver on the grid.
Button, a 2009 World Champion, joined Aston Martin as Team Ambassador in February 2026 under a multi-year agreement. He supports the team’s media, partner, and commercial activities. His role also involves reuniting with Alonso, his former McLaren teammate from the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Writing in his ‘Jenson’s Journal’ for Aston Martin, Button stated that Alonso’s future is a significant topic. He believes Alonso’s 2018 retirement, which he later reversed, will make him cautious this time.
‘Fernando’s future is a hot topic of conversation right now,’ Button wrote. ‘I have no idea whether he’s going to commit to another year in the sport, but I do know whenever he does decide to retire he’ll be rightly regarded as one of the true F1 greats – though personally I hope he’ll stay a little longer.’
Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin runs until the end of the 2026 season. A decision regarding his future for the 2027 season and beyond is expected in the coming weeks.
Speculation suggests Alonso is seeking a new two-year contract with Aston Martin, reportedly valued at 80 million euros, or 40 million annually. Reports indicate he is negotiating for a deal that would extend until the end of 2028.
Aston Martin’s Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, confirmed that the team expects a decision from Alonso soon. Alonso himself has indicated he will discuss his future with Lawrence Stroll and Adrian Newey.
The Spaniard’s motivation and confidence in the Aston Martin project are key factors in his decision. He maintains confidence in his ability to perform at a high level despite his age.
Aston Martin’s performance in the 2026 season has been a consideration. The team experienced a challenging start to the new technical regulations this year. However, the AMR26 showed a significant performance improvement in Hungary.
Alonso has secured all three of Aston Martin’s points this season, including a ninth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. The influence of Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin in 2025, is still developing.
Alonso’s initial retirement from Formula 1 occurred at the end of the 2018 season while driving for McLaren. He was 37 years old at the time. This decision was influenced by a lack of competitive machinery and Mercedes’ dominance.
During his hiatus, Alonso pursued other racing disciplines, winning the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Toyota. He also competed in the Indy 500 and the Dakar Rally.
He returned to Formula 1 in 2021 with Alpine, then moved to Aston Martin in 2023 on a multi-year deal. This move was reportedly driven by Alpine’s reluctance to offer a longer contract.
Button has praised Alonso’s driving style, describing it as aggressive and adaptable throughout his career. He compared fighting Alonso on track to battling Michael Schumacher.
Alonso has stated that Formula 1 has always been his life, and he intends to remain with Aston Martin in some capacity for the long term. The upcoming Italian Grand Prix this weekend is another event where his future will be a talking point.
