Fernando Alonso continues to impress in 2025 despite the challenges with the AMR25, but his true focus is on the 2026 season. The upcoming regulation changes represent a new opportunity for the Asturian, potentially his last chance to chase a championship.
Fully aware that Aston Martin has more work to do than its rivals, Alonso keeps motivation high and urges patience. He highlighted the importance of energy management and technical development in preparation for a season that could change everything.
Alonso’s aspirations for 2026
The number 14 driver has already made clear that 2026 is where he places his hopes and attention. “Expectations will be high,” he said ahead of the first 2025 Grand Prix in Australia. While the focus is on next year, it does not guarantee an immediate victory or a secure championship, as even dominant teams like McLaren in early 2025 learned.
Many factors come into play, both mechanical and psychological. Later in the season, energy management becomes critical, alongside the challenge of adapting to new rules.
“We need to get through the races without problems until Abu Dhabi,” Alonso stated, maintaining a calm mindset despite tough weekends ahead, including Mexico and Las Vegas. “The races are like a test. We need to keep an eye on the calendar to save energy, rest early, and recharge the batteries,” he added.
Fernando Alonso’s insights on the team
Fernando Alonso also emphasized the role of the team working off-track from home. At Silverstone, Andy Cowell, team principal, Adrian Newey, the design guru, and Enrico Cardile, technical director, collaborate closely. However, with new additions, the picture is not yet complete, and challenges remain.
“There’s a lot to do. New engine, new people, a change in 17 years. We need to build it ourselves,” Fernando Alonso revealed. Additionally, Aston Martin faces the new suspension system, no longer supplied by Mercedes, and the transition from customer team to official works team with Honda as the technical partner.
“We have more work than other teams,” the Spanish driver noted. Even if Honda seems to be progressing well, as Andy Cowell confirmed after visits to the Sakura headquarters, Alonso’s statements reflect determination, not discouragement. Internal processes, such as the Q3 miscalculation in the United States, need improvement – a natural part of becoming a competitive team.
“We need patience. Next year will start with doubts about the path we’ve taken and our expectations, but we will remain optimistic,” said the two-time world champion.
Looking ahead in F1
Formula 1 promises excitement. Energy management remains crucial, alongside concerns from the early hybrid era and the dominance of Mercedes under Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. On the positive side, reduced car size, weight, and active aerodynamics could make overtaking easier.
“We’ll see. Regulation changes aim to make races more exciting and increase overtakes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. If overtakes happen, it will be thanks to energy management, not car size. Hopefully, it will be more entertaining and provide a better spectacle for fans,” Fernando Alonso concluded.
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