As the 2026 Formula 1 season looms on the horizon, teams are recalibrating their strategies and goals, and Aston Martin is no exception. The team’s focus has shifted towards the 2026 season, largely due to the influence of Adrian Newey, the renowned car designer. Fernando Alonso, the team’s ace driver, recently offered insights into Newey’s early involvement with Aston Martin and its potential impact on the upcoming season.
Aston Martin’s performance in the 2024 season was lackluster. Hoping to regain their foothold, they’re now prioritizing the 2026 season over the current one. In Alonso’s words, Newey’s involvement has been instrumental in this decision. Known as one of the most brilliant minds in the field, Newey’s design expertise has been pivotal in Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s consecutive wins in the last four Drivers’ Championships.
While Newey’s focus is primarily on the 2026 season, Alonso confirmed that he is also overseeing the progress of the 2025 car. Alonso, Newey, and the Stroll duo, Lawrence and Lance, form the core team at Aston Martin, working tirelessly towards creating a competitive car for 2026.
Despite a rocky start to the 2025 season, with Alonso crashing out of the Australian GP and Lance Stroll barely making it to P6, the team remains optimistic. Alonso spoke to the press ahead of the Chinese GP, indicating that while there has been limited time for detailed discussions with Newey, the excitement for the next season is palpable within the team.
Alonso also expressed his confidence in Newey’s abilities, having witnessed his approach and methodology over the years. The two have a long-standing camaraderie, which Alonso believes will be instrumental in shaping the team’s future.
A significant topic of debate within the F1 community is the potential reintroduction of V10 engines. There have been propositions to power V10 engines with a more sustainable fuel source. However, Alonso voiced his reservations about this move, considering the increased emphasis on environmental consciousness in today’s world.
Alonso lauds the advancements in technology that have resulted in extremely efficient engines that use a third of the fuel consumed by their predecessors. He believes that even though fans might be nostalgic about the V10 era, it’s essential to move with the times and adopt environment-friendly technologies.
While the decision ultimately lies with the top management and the FIA, Alonso says drivers are content with driving the fastest cars, regardless of the engine type. He also highlighted the importance of safety measures like the halo system, emphasizing that the sport should not compromise safety for the sake of creating a more thrilling spectacle for the fans.
Alonso’s insights provide a glimpse into the strategic shifts happening within Aston Martin and the broader F1 community. As teams gear up for the 2026 season, the role of technological advancements and sustainable practices is becoming increasingly prominent. It remains to be seen how these factors shape the future of the sport.