Jenson Button suggests Fernando Alonso consider retirement to 'continue the journey' with family
Jenson Button has advised former teammate Fernando Alonso to consider retiring from F1 to enjoy family life, contrasting with Alonso's own stated intent to continue racing. Button, who recently retired, emphasized the emotional rewards of parenting, while Alonso remains focused on Aston Martin's promising 2026 project.
Sky F1 pundit and former teammate Jenson Button has publicly suggested that Fernando Alonso should consider stepping away from Formula 1 to focus on family life, breaking from the usual narrative of praising the Spaniard's longevity. The advice comes from a place of personal experience, as Button recently retired from professional racing himself to spend more time with his children.
Why it matters:
Button's comments highlight a growing conversation about the personal sacrifices and timing of retirement for elite athletes, especially in a sport as demanding as F1. As Alonso continues his quest for a third world title deep into his 40s, the perspective of a fellow world champion who chose a different path adds a unique dimension to the discussion about legacy, family, and knowing when to step away.
The details:
- Direct Advice: In an interview with Sky F1, Button stated, "I’d like to see him with a bunch of little Fernandos running around... he can continue the journey." He emphasized the emotional reward of family, suggesting it could surpass the feeling of winning a championship.
- Alonso's Current Stance: Contrary to Button's suggestion, Alonso has indicated his retirement is not imminent. He has said that if he has a strong and enjoyable 2026 season with Aston Martin, he might be more likely to retire on a high note, but he views his future on a "day by day" basis.
- Contract Situation: Alonso's current contract with Aston Martin runs through the end of the 2026 season, when he will be 45 years old. The 2026 campaign also marks 20 years since his last Drivers' Championship victory.
- The 2026 Factor: Aston Martin is considered a team to watch for the 2026 regulatory overhaul, with legendary designer Adrian Newey leading the development of their new car in partnership with Honda. This project is a key part of Alonso's motivation to continue.
Between the lines:
Button's remarks, while framed as friendly advice, underscore a fundamental difference in their post-racing priorities. For Button, family has become the primary focus. For Alonso, the competitive fire and the tantalizing prospect of a competitive Aston Martin in 2026 remain powerful driving forces. His statement that he doesn't "need to race now to prove anything" suggests he is racing purely for the enjoyment and the challenge, which may make him less susceptible to external retirement pressure.
What's next:
Alonso's future will ultimately hinge on his performance and satisfaction in the 2025 season and the development progress of Aston Martin's 2026 car. Button's public nudge is unlikely to sway the two-time champion's decision-making process, which he insists will put the team's needs first. The 2026 season stands as a logical potential endpoint, but as Alonso himself admits, he doesn't have a "crystal ball."