With Aston Martin announcing the signing of Adrian Newey, all eyes are on the Silverstone-based team. Though Newey can do little to influence Aston’s 2025 car, his presence could be significant in 2026. In this context, Fernando Alonso has been asked about his perspective on what the future can bring.
Alonso excited for the future as Aston Matin strengthen
Relatively early in the season, Fernando Alonso committed his future to Aston Martin. He signed a multi-year contract with the team, keeping him in the British squad until at least 2026.
Given Aston’s current performance level, Alonso’s next chance to fight near the front will be the upcoming regulation changes in 2026.
Inevitably, as Alonso enters his mid-40s, the Spaniard is frequently asked about his age and impending retirement. These talking points are similar to those he faced upon returning to F1 in 2021.
Alonso relaxed about 2026 and beyond
Speaking to the media in Baku, the Double World Champion was candid about his outlook for the future:
“It has been a positive week for sure for the team, and what i think is that Aston Martin are the team of the future.
“We are opening new buildings, wind tunnel will be finished January and now Adrian as well. The team is taking shape, Lawrence’s vision is taking shape so yeah, good news…
“Let’s see. We cannot predict the future, but we have good things coming in the team. I’m aware these things take time and I don’t have time in that way but I’m relaxed and enjoying the journey.
“I will be driving in ’26. And after ’26, I will be driving, in Formula 1 or in another series, but in the Aston Martin team.”
Generally speaking, there are no signs that Alonso is experiencing a decline. He is still convincingly beating teammate Lance Stroll in qualifying and race trim.
The Canadian’s few triumphs against Alonso in qualifying this year (Australia, Imola, Monac0) were typical because of unforced errors from Alonso – as opposed to his own pace.
For the foreseeable future, at least, there is no reason to assume Alonso is on the verge of a serious decline. What does remain unclear, however, is whether Aston Martin are capable of producing race-winning machinery in 2026.
