Jenson Button says ‘everyone’ at Aston Martin still believes they can be a top team

Follow us on Google Discover

Jenson Button, now in an ambassadorial role with Aston Martin, has said they will break into the top four, but it won’t happen overnight.

Aston Martin’s ambitious project for this season has turned out to be a complete disaster. Their decision to switch to Honda has not paid off, as Adrian Newey’s work on the chassis has proven incompatible with the Japanese supplier’s power unit.

Newey was vocally critical of Honda’s power unit, which then led to issues between Aston Martin and Honda’s relationship.

Can Aston Martin’s relationship with Honda survive long-term?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Things have cooled down over the last few weeks, as Honda dismissed rumours of tension with Aston Martin over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

Both Honda and Aston Martin are working together for the future. And current ambassador Jenson Button says the entire team have faith in the project.

READ MORE: Aston Martin have now adopted a ‘mouth shut’ policy on Honda engine problems

Jenson Button says Aston Martin improvement won’t happen ‘overnight’

In an interview with Diario AS, Jenson Button spoke about the current predicament Aston Martin find themselves in, and how long it will take them to get back on track.

Button noted that Aston Martin are in a new era, working under Adrian Newey and alongside Honda. Despite this, he noted that the whole team is confident they can break into the top four in the future.

“Everyone involved understands where we are as a team now. They know the foundations are in place and we will be competitive. It’s a very demanding sport. Mercedes and Ferrari are at the top level and have been here a long time, and for a long time with the same engine.

“The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda is very new, as is the one with Newey. There are many elements that need to be put together, and that doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time. Everyone is aware of what this team can do in the future.

“This is the team that can break into the top four in the future. This is it. It’s difficult to say when, and I’m not the right person to answer. I don’t know the specifics. It won’t happen in three races, but time flies. It will seem like it happened overnight.”

READ MORE: Damon Hill warns Aston Martin that Adrian Newey could cause ‘catastrophe’ amid 2026 woes

Did Aston Martin make a mistake dropping Mercedes as engine partners for Honda?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Jenson Button confident in Honda’s ability to address power unit issues

Speaking further in the interview, Button looked back on his own experience with Honda and noted that their passion and dedication virtually guarantee they will find a solution to the power unit issues.

“I worked with them in 2003, with V10s, V8s, then the V6 hybrids, the Super GT… I’ve seen a huge variety of Honda engines, and most of them are beautiful. The way they drive, the power delivery, the handling, and above all, Honda’s character and passion for motorsport.

“They’re a brand that builds road cars for racing. Competition defines them… The performance isn’t there yet, but it will be. Because they’ll work very hard to make it so. Every day is a learning experience at Honda.

“It’s interesting. If you start working at Honda and do well, you have a job for life. You’ll dedicate your whole life to Honda; there are many people like that. They’re passionate about working for such a prestigious brand, and they truly give their all for the team.

“I don’t know if I should say this, but I know that at Sakura, there’s a room with a tatami floor where the workers can sleep during busy weeks. They sleep at the factory to minimise downtime and get back to work quickly. That’s the level of dedication they have.”

The Japanese suppliers have made some headway on the power unit. In fact, Honda blamed Aston Martin’s chassis for the continued vibration issues during the race at Suzuka.

For Aston Martin fans, their patience is continuously being tested, as every promise of their improvement has not been fulfilled, and they remain unsatisfied with their team’s performance.