Jenson Button believes the secret to keeping Fernando Alonso competitive at Aston Martin is not a new car, but a stable lineup. The former world champion says that having both Alonso and Lance Stroll stay together provides the continuity the team desperately needs. According to Formula 1 Official, Button highlighted that the atmosphere within the garage is the main factor that helps drivers feel comfortable and maximize their skills.
Alonso confirmed his return for the next season, a move that gave the entire project a significant boost. Button noted that drivers often jump between teams hoping to find a better fit, but that does not always work out. The environment matters more than the badge on the side of the car. When the team and drivers trust each other, the car performs better on the track.
Why Keeping Both Drivers Matters
Button explained that the team needs feedback from two different sources to build a winning machine. He stated, “I think that’s really important for this team and continuity with both drivers is really important.” This continuity allows the engineers to understand how the car feels under different driving styles. Without this stability, the team cannot make the right adjustments to fight for points consistently.
The Aston Martin leadership sees the value in this stability, but they are also looking to expand their brand in new ways. Matt Chapman, the Head of Licensing and Merchandise, noted that the team wants to connect with a wider audience beyond just the race track. He pointed to the rising popularity of padel as a perfect way to reach new fans who already love the sport. Chapman told F1.com, according to Formula1.com, “Padel was a particularly interesting opportunity given its incredible growth and the natural connection it has developed with the Formula 1 paddock.”
Building a Brand That Lasts
The team is not just slapping their logo on existing gear to make a quick sale. Chapman made it clear that they wanted to create a product that felt authentic to the brand. He stated that the aim was to make the partnership extend further than just placing its logo on current gear. The focus is on making a collection that reflects the identity of Aston Martin while meeting the high demands of professional sports.
They are using the success of the drivers to build a global community around the brand. By working with Padeltek, they can combine their design skills with expert equipment manufacturing.
Button says the car matters, but the people inside it matter more. The team has been through rough times and is now hoping for smoother sailing. The feedback from both drivers is the key to enhancing the car. As Button put it, according to Formula1.com, “Fernando is obviously the one that’s won the world championships, but Lance’s feedback is also important.” This dual input is what will drive the team forward in the coming seasons.
