Alonso: Aston must enjoy process of becoming ‘a big team’

Despite a challenging 2024 season, Fernando Alonso remains unfazed by Aston Martin F1’s current struggles, instead keeping his eyes firmly on the horizon, where he sees a bright future for the Silverstone-based squad.

Alonso is no stranger to the ebb and flow of Formula 1. With a career spanning over two decades, the two-time world champion has witnessed the highs and lows that come with racing at the pinnacle of motorsport.

In 2023, Alonso and Aston Martin started the season with a bang, securing six podium finishes in the first eight rounds. It seemed like the stars were aligning for the team and its two-time world champion veteran driver.

However, as the season progressed, Aston’s momentum waned, and the team found itself slipping down the pecking order. Since, emerald green outfit has been unable to regain its footing among F1’s top contenders, and Alonso has yet to return to the podium.

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Despite his team’s slump, the 43-year-old remains steadfast in his belief in Aston’s project and goals, especially with the significant changes on the horizon for 2026, when F1’s undergoes a significant regulation overhaul.

Alonso is under no illusions about the challenges ahead but insists there's no room for frustration.

“I’m enjoying the journey,” Alonso said, quoted by Motorsport Week.

“We want to be champions. We want to be competitive next year and also take the big opportunity in 2026.

“It’s not the time to be frustrated. It’s time to enjoy the process of becoming a big team.”

Alonso’s confidence is not misplaced. Aston Martin has embarked on a comprehensive “process” to propel itself toward the front of the grid.

The team is investing heavily in its infrastructure, with a new wind tunnel and simulator set to come online. The impending partnership with Honda as an engine supplier, coupled with the collaboration with Aramco on sustainable fuels, positions Aston Martin as a key player in the new power unit era.

The recruitment of Enrico Cardile as Chief Technical Officer, and the potential arrival of Adrian Newey, further underlines the team’s determination to challenge at the front.

For Alonso, this represents an exciting opportunity. With a multi-year contract in place, he will be at the heart of the team as it evolves.

Nevertheless, the current reality is far from ideal. Alonso sits ninth in the Drivers’ standings, while Aston Martin holds fifth in the Constructors’ championship, well clear of RB but a whopping 193 points behind fourth-placed team Mercedes.

These numbers aren’t where the team wants to be, but Alonso is philosophical about Aston Martin’s current position in the midfield. He believes that the true pain of F1 lies at the pinnacle of the sport.

“At the end of the day, we are not happy with our position, that’s for sure,” he said.

“But in December, only one guy will be happy. Probably the second guy will be more frustrated than me in Abu Dhabi, the third guy and the fourth and things like that.

“So that’s the nature of the sport.”

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