Button is sure: “Honda will arrive. They are the only ones who can undermine the top-4”

Still in trouble As had already happened in 2015, this year Honda found itself unprepared for the technical revolution of F1 and the introduction of the new power units, paying a truly significant deficit compared to the competition from the point of view of performance and reliability of the engine. If ten years ago McLaren paid the price, this year it is the Aston Martin team that suffers the consequences of the ineffective partnership with the Japanese giant. There was no shortage of mutual barbs and controversies between the two parties, with a return of accusations and responsibilities. The brand ambassador of the Silverstone team, Jenson Button, tried to bring some peace. The 2009 world champion knows Honda’s modus operandi very well: he worked with the Tokyo company for a long time in both F1 and SuperGT, experiencing good and less good moments. He, together with Fernando Alonso, was at the wheel of McLaren in the disastrous two-year period 2015-2016. The two, one still in the car and the other in his role as man-image, are therefore reliving familiar sensations. Button’s confidence Yet in an interview given to the Spanish website AS, Button said he was “100% certain” that Honda will return to being competitive and will help Aston Martin in its climb to the top of F1: “All those involved [nella squadra] they understand where we are as a team – observed Button – they know that the foundations are solid and that we will be competitive. This is a very demanding sport. Mercedes and Ferrari have been at the top for a long time and always with the same engine. The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda is very recent, as is the one with Newey. There are many elements that need to come together and this doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time. Everyone is aware of what this team can do in the future. This is the only team that can make the top four in the future. That’s how it is.” “It’s difficult to talk about timing – the former English rider then added – and I’m not the right person to answer. I don’t know the details. It won’t happen in three races, but time flies. Eventually it will seem like it all happened overnight. Is bankruptcy possible? No. I’m 100% sure. It’s just a matter of time. [In Honda] they always make it. Always”.