Alonso: ‘No potential for Aston Martin to win in 2025’

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Fernando Alonso has dismissed any hopes of Aston Martin securing race victories in the 2025 Formula 1 season, citing the team’s lack of significant development progress.

Since joining Aston Martin two years ago, Alonso has experienced mixed fortunes with the Silverstone-based outfit.

The Spaniard hit the ground running with his new team in 2023, delivering six podium finishes in the first eight races. But a noticeable decline in performance marked Aston's 2024 campaign.

Despite introducing a series of updates throughout the season, the team struggled to maintain pace with the leading competitors and ended the year once again in sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Looking ahead to 2025, Alonso has made it clear that Aston Martin will not be in contention for victories this season.

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“We certainly won’t have the potential to win in 2025,” the two-time world champion told Autosprint.

“The cars will be the same as last year, and it will be practically impossible for us to make such a leap forward. We hope it will go better than 2024, but we will not win the championship.”

Optimism for 2026 Amid Regulatory Changes

Aston Martin’s long-term focus is firmly set on the upcoming 2026 regulations, which will introduce sweeping changes to the technical landscape of Formula 1.

The team has already made significant strategic moves, including securing the services of renowned engineer Adrian Newey and forming a works engine partnership with Honda.

Alonso, who is treating 2026 as potentially his last season in the sport, remains hopeful that these changes will provide the breakthrough he seeks.

“There will be some regulatory changes, and Adrian Newey will start working on the 2026 project in April,” he highlighted.

“I hope to be able to get more podiums, some wins, and fight for the championship.

“I know, however, that 2026 is a year shrouded in mystery for everyone. We hope it will be favourable, but we don’t know.”

Alonso’s Undiminished Competitive Spirit

Despite a decade-long drought since his last Formula 1 victory, Alonso remains as fiercely competitive as ever.

The Spaniard, known for his relentless drive, has made it clear that his hunger for success has not waned.

“Even now, after 20 years, if I go to a karting circuit and see myself second on the timesheet, a tenth or half a tenth from the first, I have the same inner anger, the same frustration, that I might not even have dinner that night,” he admitted.

“I don’t like to lose, no matter how hard I work: it will always be like this.”

As Alonso continues his pursuit of further success, the 2025 season appears to be a transitional year for Aston Martin, with all eyes set on the potential resurgence in 2026.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.