Alonso leaves his post-2026 future up in the air and discusses his title options with Newey

Fernando Alonso was one of the main characters of the press conference before the F Azerbaijan GP1, in Baku, and as expected, most of the issues should be for Asturian. The man from Oviedo took most of the issues in the press after the announcement of the new signing of Adrian Newey.

The best engineer in F1 history will be able to start working at Aston Martin from March 2, 2025. This leaves many questions open: Can Adrian Newey have an impact on the evolution of the 2025 car or will he just focus on the new 2026 regulation car? Will he be behind the wheel of the green car when Adrian Newey manages to create a car in which Alonso can fight for wins or titles, whether in 2026 or in the years to come?

The Asturian spoke about all this, highlighting above all the great ingredients that the Silverstone team brings together to become the “team of the future” thanks to its new facilities, the constant signing of engineers in recent years, the partners the team has found for the next courses and the arrival of Newey.

“It’s certainly been a positive week for the team, with the announcement of Adrian Newey’s arrival. This is a great addition. And what I think is that the Aston Martin team is the team of the future. Our inauguration new factory buildings, we will finish the wind tunnel in January. We have a Honda (It will exclusively supply its engines from 2026, the year in which there was a major change in power unit regulations), to Aramco, perhaps the best partner in the world, and now to Adrian. The team is taking shape, as is Lawrence’s vision. So yeah, good news.”announced Fernando Alonso.

The 33 or another F1 title?

“Whether it’s going to be my 33rd victory or another F1 title? I don’t know, we can’t predict the future. We have a lot to come in the next months, particularly the wind tunnel, that will be the turning point. . Right now we use the Mercedes wind tunnel, with time constraints and having our own wind tunnel and being able to use it during the week, whenever needed, I think it’s a step forward.argument.

And that, as Fernando said, will be very important to allow Aston Martin to make the next leap, because currently, whenever they want to use the Mercedes wind tunnel, they first have to wait for the star to give them a gap of time, one thing. which is always difficult and prolongs the waiting time for the creation of new pieces. Furthermore, working in your own wind tunnel allows you to have your tools and new technology adapted to your needs in which you can trust 100% because of its subsequent connection to the track.

But that’s not all. Alonso emphasized the immense process of team building and development. They went from a small green factory to a giant technological campus with several buildings and thought to the smallest detail to improve communication between departments and processes. In addition, the number of employees increased significantly. More ingredients to create a great team.

“And also the factory. We cannot forget that Aston Martin two years ago was in a very small building, which was Racing Point and before that Force India. Now we have doubled the staff, we have new facilities, so step by step, we will do everything to get the first victory and fight for future championships even though I know it takes time and I don’t have that time in a way But I am relaxed and enjoying the journey.”Alonso added.

It is clear then that it is up to Aston Martin to become a big team in the future, following the same process that Mercedes and Red Bull did to become Top and winning teams. So, the question that remains is this: Can Fernando Alonso reap these rewards in time to fight for the title before leaving F1? Today, the Asturian is 43 years old and in 2026, his theoretical last year of his current contract, he will be 45. But as he always says, it does not depend on age, but on how competitive he continues to be to be felt thanks to his privileged muscles and resistance and exclusive training and dedication.

“I will drive in F1 2026 and after 2026, I will drive either in F1 or in another category. If I am not in F1, I will be linked to Aston Martin in some way, so hopefully I can enjoy that future. .And then?I will continue the program of The Valkyrie for Le Mans.

In that sense, Aston Martin does not rule out chasing Max Verstappen, and if Lance Stroll remains a permanent fixture (he is the owner’s son), the Dutchman could be an option beyond 2026 if Alonso leaves, something that It fits perfectly with What Max and Fernando have talked about on many occasions about competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans together, as they will be able to do so in the Aston Martin Valkyrie program in the World Endurance Championship. Furthermore, it should be noted that Alonso has always repeated that after F1 he wants to return to Dakar to win the crown on the sands.

NEWEY, ONLY 2026

“Will it have an impact on the development of the 2025 car? I would like to say yes, but I think not. In March 2025, I think the focus will be on 2026, the change in regulations. It will start with March and until you find your place in the factory and you know everyone it’s April or May, and I don’t think we need to spend much time on the 2025 car unless we’re fighting for the championship, which I hope we do, because it’s a nice surprise, but I think the 2026 will be a car where Adrian Newey has a hand and an influence.

ALONSO TALKED TO NEWEY TO CONVINCE HIM

“It’s a question for him (laughs). I really sent him a message, as surely everyone did. Everyone wanted to talk to him. I also saw him at the historic Monaco Grand Prix, where he was competing. And we passed the halfway mark a time talking about, I don’t know, we all tried to encourage him and I think in the end Lawrence, his vision, the new factory and what Aston Martin has for the future with Honda who think I was the main reason for him to join Aston Martin.

BAKU, EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS WEEKEND

“Let’s see, because each race seems to be a bit different. In the middle class everything is so tight that one or two tenths can make a difference. And Baku I expect to be one of the positive weekends for us. Last year it was the sprint weekend, with one free practice session, so it was difficult for everyone I hope that in three practice sessions we can all get the cars in order.