Fernando Alonso’s unyielding ambition to claim a third Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship remains undimmed, and Red Bull’s Paul Monaghan believes the Spanish icon still has the talent and temperament to deliver—if given a competitive car.
Despite a decade-long winless streak since his 2013 home triumph, Alonso’s relentless pursuit of glory has kept him at the forefront of the sport, even as Aston Martin’s fortunes waned in 2024.
Aston Martin’s rise and fall
Alonso reignited fans’ hopes in 2023, taking six podiums in the first eight races as Aston Martin emerged as the primary challenger to Red Bull. But the team struggled to sustain that momentum, with Alonso failing to secure a single podium in 2024 as Aston Martin slipped back in the competitive order.
Still, Alonso is banking on Aston Martin’s ambitious investments and the 2026 regulation reset to propel him back into title contention. The Silverstone-based team has transformed its headquarters into a cutting-edge facility, while high-profile hires—most notably ex-Red Bull design mastermind Adrian Newey—have fueled optimism about its future.
Paul Monaghan: Alonso can still win
Paul Monaghan, Red Bull’s chief engineer and Alonso’s former race engineer during his Renault days, has no doubts about Alonso’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“He is relentless enough. If you give him the chance of a win, he’s not going to screw up, don’t worry,” Monaghan told DAZN. “He was so calm when he was leading his first win in Hungary [2003], nothing bothered him.
“I doubt he’ll suddenly get a dose of nerves and make a mistake. If you give him the chance of a win, he’ll get it, don’t worry.”
2026: Alonso’s last shot at glory?
With the impending 2026 regulations introducing sweeping changes, Aston Martin is poised to make a significant leap. Adrian Newey’s expertise, coupled with the team’s state-of-the-art facilities, has led many to view Aston Martin as a genuine threat in the new era.
For Alonso, who will be 45 by the time the new rules come into play, the reset represents a final opportunity to clinch his elusive third title.
A showdown with Verstappen?
Monaghan also teased the tantalizing prospect of Alonso battling Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the title, calling it a “blockbuster match-up” that could define the era.
“We are going to have to make a lot of cars because they are not going to be half a millimeter apart,” he joked. “Honestly, if Fernando at this stage of his career can fight Max, hats off to him. It would be great to see.”
Such a duel would not only pit two of the most relentless and talented drivers in F1 against each other but would also serve as a testament to Alonso’s unparalleled longevity and determination.
The legacy of a fighter
Even as Alonso faces the twilight of his career, his unwavering drive and unrelenting work ethic continue to inspire fans and peers alike. Whether he achieves his long-awaited third championship or not, Alonso’s commitment to chasing greatness ensures his place as one of Formula 1’s all-time legends.
