Jenson Button's Diary: About Newey, Alonso, Honda, and Japan

      Since 2026, Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has been the official ambassador for Aston Martin. Today, the team published the first entry in Jenson's diary, where he shared his thoughts on Japan, Honda, Adrian Newey, the new technical regulations, Fernando Alonso, and their similar tattoos on their backs, as well as about a new chapter in his career with Aston Martin.

      I am constantly asked the same question. Why Aston Martin? To be honest, it’s quite simple.

      When you grow up with cars and motorsport, there are names that definitely mean something. Aston Martin is one of them. I have loved these cars for as long as I can remember.

      I was born in the 1980s, but looking back at the DB4 and DB5 from the sixties, how beautiful they were, you can understand that this feeling has persisted to this day – a combination of power and style that is timeless. Aston Martin has always held a special place in my heart. I think this feeling is familiar to many.

      But what truly inspires me are the people at Aston Martin. There are many talented specialists here, and the team has a genuine belief in its future. Yes, the start of the season has been challenging, but that’s Formula 1 – the level of competition is extreme. In this sport, serious results always come with time.

      This season is particularly interesting because we are entering a new technical era. But some things remain unchanged – Formula 1 is still the pinnacle of motorsport. Nothing compares to the feeling of driving a Formula 1 car – the power, the braking, how the car "breathes" beneath you when you are pushing to the limit. You can never get used to that.

      These cars are incredibly fast, but they are also different. The power units now behave differently than what drivers are used to. In the past, when exiting a corner, you knew exactly how much power you had in reserve. Now, it all depends on a multitude of factors – from the pressure on the brake pedal in the previous corner to how the hybrid system distributes energy. This requires drivers to have instant reactions and constant adaptation. Those who handle this better than others will be immediately noticeable. Just like those who do not.

      I would love to drive a new generation car, especially one designed by Adrian Newey. Over the years of my career, I have raced against many of his cars and have often caught myself thinking about what it would be like to work with him. You could say I’m a bit envious of Lance and Fernando.

      Watching Adrian up close is a real pleasure. He is an old-school guy – a notebook in hand, sketches on a drawing board. But that’s what makes him a true master. And yes, I admit, I tried to peek into his notebook… He noticed.

      I would gladly get behind the wheel of one of his cars. Maybe just for a demonstration lap? But with 24 races in a season… I suppose I’m not in the right age for that anymore.

      And then there’s Fernando…

      We were teammates for a couple of seasons, and although those years can’t be called the easiest for either of us, I had a clear benchmark – Fernando on the other side of the garage. Going out on track and trying to beat such a driver in equal machinery is a serious challenge. And that’s what I liked. I saw how he works and how he manages to enjoy life off the track. He is truly a vibrant person, and after ten years, that hasn’t changed at all.

      And now we share another, quieter detail: tattoos in the Japanese style. He has a samurai on his back, and I have a dragon with Japanese calligraphy. A small thing, but it always brings a smile to my face.

      Japan holds a special place in my career largely due to my collaboration with Honda. There are countless bright moments and memories associated with them that will stay with me forever.

      We started working together in 2003 and experienced many significant events, including my first Grand Prix win in 2006. Moreover, it was Honda's first victory in Formula 1 as a factory team since the sixties. I raced with their power units in 2015 and 2016, and later worked with them again, participating in the Japanese Super GT series and at Daytona with Acura.

      It’s hard to find people more dedicated to motorsport. And now they are doing everything possible to make the AMR26 power unit more competitive.

      Japan for me is a place I want to return to. In a sense, it’s my second home. Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world. The cuisine there is amazing, not just Japanese, but any cuisine. It seems they cook better than anyone else, and the quality of the ingredients is simply exceptional.

      I love trying something new in Tokyo, discovering different restaurants. And once you step outside the city, amazing landscapes open up before you. The culture is very different from European culture, and I think that’s why it attracts me so much. It’s a very polite country where you feel like a welcome guest.

      And of course, the fans. Japanese fans are some of the most knowledgeable about motorsport. They understand the smallest details, remember facts about my races, career, and even personal life. There have been times when they mentioned things I had almost forgotten myself. They truly love this sport. Their enthusiasm is impressive, yet they remain incredibly respectful.

      One moment I particularly remember well – winning the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka in 2011. When I finished celebrating and all the post-race briefings, it was already dark, but the stands were still full. Fans were watching the race replay on large screens set up along the track. Five hours after the finish, and they were still in the stands. That says a lot. Such dedication is unforgettable.

      I look forward to returning.