One-time Formula 1 champion Jenson Button revealed he is “jealous” of Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button despite a difficult start to the 2026 season for the team.

In 2024, legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin, with a view to catapult the midfield team into race-winning contention when the significantly altered 2026 regulations came into effect.

Although the campaign has begun as more of a nightmare than a dream, Button would have “loved” to have raced machinery from the Newey’s brain, with the Briton’s designs having won 14 drivers’ and 12 constructors’ titles and 223 Grands Prix.

“I’d love to drive one of these new-generation cars, especially one designed by Adrian Newey,” he wrote in Jenson’s Journal for Aston Martin.

“I’ve raced against a lot of his cars over the years and always wondered what it would be like to work with him. I guess you could say I’m a little bit jealous of Lance and Fernando in this respect.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“Seeing Adrian operate up close is fascinating. He’s very old school – notebook in hand, sketching ideas on a drawing board – but that’s part of what makes him such a master. He really is.

“And yes, I may have tried to sneak a peek at his notebook… he noticed.”

In the off-season, Button switched his ambassadorial role with Williams for one with Aston Martin.

The team is yet to have a classified finish this term, and neither driver took part in qualifying at the Australia season-opener, with severe vibrations form the Honda power unit limiting running.

Assessing the new regulations, Button added: “This year is particularly interesting because we’re stepping into another new technical era. But some things never change: Formula One is still the pinnacle of motorsport. Nothing really compares to the feeling of driving an F1 car: the power, the braking, the way the car moves underneath you when you’re right on the limit. It never gets old.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“These cars are out-of-this-world fast.

“But the way these cars work is evolving. The power units now behave quite differently to what drivers have been used to. In the past, you’d exit a corner and know exactly how much power you had. 

“Now, it depends on things like brake pressure in the previous corner and how the hybrid system deploys energy. It means drivers need to think on their feet more than ever. Those who can do this well are going to stand out for the right reasons – and those who can’t are going to stand out for the wrong ones.”

Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter