Button hopes Alonso stays for another F1 season

Jenson Button does not know whether Fernando Alonso will continue in Formula 1 next year, but he hopes the Spaniard gives himself another season with Aston Martin.

Alonso is 45 and has a contract that runs to the end of 2026. His decision has particular significance because Adrian Newey's influence on Aston Martin's car is only beginning to be measured, giving Alonso the possibility of a more competitive final chapter if he remains.

Writing in his latest column for Aston Martin, Button said Alonso's age had done little to change the aggressive and adaptable style that made him such a difficult opponent.

The two were McLaren team-mates in 2015 and 2016, difficult seasons in which the shortcomings of the Honda power unit meant that their contest was usually taking place well away from the front. Button nevertheless regards Alonso alongside Michael Schumacher as one of the most formidable drivers he raced.

Button said he did not know what Alonso would decide, but added that personally I hope he'll stay a little longer.

Newey is part of the attraction. Button observed that any F1 driver would love to race a car designed by him, and said he would like to see Alonso fighting for victories with Aston Martin.

Button also hopes this weekend will not be Alonso's final Italian Grand Prix. Monza has been an important part of Alonso's career: he won there for McLaren in 2007 and for Ferrari in 2010, the latter victory producing one of the loudest podium celebrations of the modern era.

Alonso has usually been reluctant to remain in Formula 1 simply to make up the numbers. The progress of Newey's Aston Martin project is therefore likely to supply the most persuasive argument either way.