Fernando Alonso, who is still looking for his first point in the 2025 Formula 1 season, believes that Adrian Newey would have preferred to start even earlier at Aston Martin to tackle the 2026 regulations. Newey, the former Red Bull design guru, was announced as Aston Martin’s new managing technical partner last year. However, the team waited until early March for him to officially join the squad.
Despite Aston Martin’s struggles on the track in 2025, Newey’s main focus is now on preparing for the upcoming 2026 regulations. Team principal Andy Cowell has already dismissed the idea of involving Newey in the development of the current car. Alonso supported this decision, acknowledging that Newey needs to concentrate on the future rather than trying to fix the current car.
Alonso mentioned that he had a meeting with Newey at Aston Martin’s Silverstone factory before the Miami Grand Prix and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back in the new era. He believes that Newey, along with other new hires, will bring valuable championship-winning expertise to the team owned by Lawrence Stroll.
When asked if his conversation with Newey increased his faith in the team’s prospects for the future, Alonso responded, “Not really, I think I never lost the trust, I’m not too worried about next year.” He expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the upcoming season, highlighting the fresh start that the new regulations will bring.
Alonso emphasized that the 2026 project will be a complete reset, with none of the current car’s issues carrying over. He noted that the team now has a better understanding of its weaknesses and has brought in personnel with experience from top teams in the past. This new perspective, coupled with Newey’s expertise, gives Alonso confidence in Aston Martin’s ability to compete at a higher level in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by the team in 2025, Alonso remains optimistic about the future. He trusts that the combination of Newey’s arrival and the new regulations will set Aston Martin on a path to success. With a renewed focus and a fresh perspective, Alonso believes that the team can overcome its current struggles and emerge as a competitive force in the upcoming seasons.
In conclusion, Alonso’s meeting with Newey and his insights into Aston Martin’s future prospects have given him confidence in the team’s ability to turn things around. As the 2026 regulations approach, the team is gearing up for a fresh start, with Newey leading the technical side. Despite the challenges of the current season, Alonso sees a bright future ahead for Aston Martin in Formula 1.