Formula 1 legend Jenson Button has picked out a potential dark horse ahead of the 2026 season.
The 2026 campaign promises to be a classic following major changes to the sport's technical regulations.
From now on, cars are smaller, lighter and more agile, which is set to promote much closer action on track.
Meanwhile, the power units are also different, with much greater reliance on battery usage. Drivers will have to make sure that they have enough electrical power on the straights in order to complete easier overtakes.
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With the battery set to recharge under braking, drivers will have to make a decision on where and how hard they brake during a lap.
Looking ahead to the season, the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull are set to be the main contenders.
Speaking to SPORTbible, 2009 F1 world champion Button was asked which team could surprise people and potentially be a dark horse.
In response, the former McLaren and Brawn star picked out Aston Martin, due to Adrian Newey, who is going to be the team principal this season and is regarded as the sport's greatest car designer.
He said: "I think it will be Aston Martin, I do. Having Adrian Newey designing your car, this is massive for Aston Martin. I hope that we see the competitiveness this year."
However, the 46-year-old did mention that although Newey will have an impact, fighting for race wins in 2026 could come too soon for the Silverstone-based team.
Button added: "You've got a double world champion in Fernando Alonso, easily one of the best drivers in the sport and he's still got that drive to win.
"Leadership obviously from Lawrence (Stroll), the way he's taken the team forward in the last few years. I don't think it's going to be fighting for wins; that takes time from where they've been over the last couple of years. But yeah, with great leadership, Adrian Newey and Fernando (Alonso) at the wheel, the future looks good."
Button also named Alpine and Red Bull as ones to watch due to their engine supplier change, he said: "Another team, it will be interesting to see what Alpine do with the Mercedes engine, you know, probably the best power unit on the grid for now. Be interesting to see how competitive they are.
"And obviously, Red Bull doing their own engine, that's a big deal, that's a massive deal with how complex these engines are. So there's a lot to look forward to."
Jenson Button was speaking to SPORTbible through Sky Sports.
Sky Sports is the home of Formula 1 in the UK & Ireland. Don’t miss the start of the 2026 World Championship live from Melbourne, Australia, March 06-8th, on Sky Sports and NOW.
Marcus Chan