Aston Martin figure admits doubts over Fernando Alonso F1 future

Aston Martin ambassador and former F1 champion Jenson Button has admitted that he had some doubts about whether Fernando Alonso would return to the team for 2027.

The Spaniard prevaricated over his decision for months before signing an extension in September, extending his stay with the team into a fifth year alongside erstwhile team-mate Lance Stroll.

This season has been a struggle from the start for the Silverstone-based team, struggling with their new Honda engines and losing out in terms of both pace and reliability.

There appears to be some optimism that they will return to something approaching competitiveness next year if Honda can provide a viable power unit, with Alonso still possessing strong pace when the conditions allow.

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Button: Alonso's dedication amazes me

Asked if there was any doubt that Alonso would return for another season at the highest level, Button told F1.com: “I mean, there always has to be a little bit of doubt, because he's 45 years old now. I've been out of the sport for 10 years, and I retired because I was tired!

“I mean it always has to be a little bit of that, but it amazes me – his dedication and how much he loves competing at the top level, and he's still got it. So why not then keep going until he doesn't want it anymore?

“He is going to want to see progress, that is the main thing. He probably knows he's not going to win races any time soon, but as long as he can see progress and he is moving closer to that win, that’s what’s going to keep him going.”

Alonso: Car was phenomenal in Brazil

Alonso was hot and cold after the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend, saying after the race: "It was probably the best race for the car feeling today. The car was phenomenal on the corners and we were battling with the Ferraris at one point, and even in the last five laps on the inters we were in the mix with the two Mercedes.

"One lap down, but we were in the mix with the Mercedes [in terms of pace]. Taking into account how much we lose on the straight, that means that probably today we could have been one second faster than them per lap.

"So, as I said, the car was phenomenal."

He brushed off suggestions that he might've enjoyed the weekend more than any other this year though, saying: "No, I don't enjoy. I come, I do my job. There is no fun to drive with different tools. So, working hard to next year to close the gap and be a little bit more in a competitive environment."

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