Jenson Button is set to depart Williams to become Aston Martin‘s Formula 1 ambassador from the 2026 season onwards.
Lawrence Stroll is pushing hard to assemble a star-studded line-up for the Silverstone-based team‘s foray into F1’s latest era.
After onboarding the likes of Fernando Alonso, Honda and Adrian Newey to the project, the Canadian business mogul has added yet another World Champion to the team’s ranks.
Button, who won the 2009 Drivers’ title driving for Brawn GP, has been announced as Aston Martin’s team ambassador.
As it happens, the Briton’s arrival coincides with the team’s maiden season as a works Honda outfit, with the Japanese automobile giants’ signing up after departing Red Bull.
Button drove for the works Honda team between 2003 and 2008 – winning his maiden Grand Prix at the Hungarian GP in 2006.
After Honda quit abruptly at the end of 2008, leaving Button in a lurch, Ross Brawn picked up the crumbs for a measly £1, turning it into a one-season wonder with Button behind the title-winning car.
Button, who previously worked as an advisor for Williams, has thus marked a poetic return to an alliance that truly gave him all the highs and the lows of the paddock.
“Joining Aston Martin during such a transformative time in the team and the sport’s history is really exciting for me,” Button said.
“Honda’s new works partnership with the team was a huge draw, and I look forward to bringing my years of experience working with them to my new role as ambassador.
“The 2026 season is going to be fascinating, and being part of such an ambitious team is a real opportunity. I can’t wait for Melbourne.”
Aston Martin to utilise ‘credibility’ Jenson Button will bring to brand
The Briton is one of the most revered icons of motorsport. Hanging up his racing helmet for good – after having spent a stint in the World Endurance Championship with Porsche and Jota, Button’s return to the paddock will be a welcome surprise.
Unlike at the Grove-based team, Button is expected to be more hands-on with his role at Aston Martin.
An official statement from the team described his duties to be to represent the team at “global events, partner programmes and media engagements, bringing his perspective, credibility and passion for the sport to the team’s growing international audience.”
Managing Director of Commercial at Aston Martin, Jefferson Slack lauded the 46-year-old for being “a valuable asset as we continue building this team for long-term success” and for having “an outstanding ability to connect with fans and partners around the world.”
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