Alonso visits Alpine, rumour mill explodes – Aston Martin rolls eyes

Formula 1’s silly season – a year-round phenomenon these days – hit peak absurdity last weekend, with a rumor making the rounds linking Fernando Alonso with a sensational return to Alpine, all because the Spaniard was spotted strolling into the French outfit’s hospitality suite a few too many times in Montreal.

But Aston Martin’s Team Principal Andy Cowell has doused the speculation with a hearty chuckle, dismissing the notion as pure paddock tomfoolery.

Alonso, the 43-year-old two-time World Champion, is contracted to Aston Martin through 2026, yet his frequent Alpine coffee runs during the Canadian Grand Prix had Sky Sports F1’s David Croft raising an eyebrow.

Could the veteran, who raced for Alpine in 2021 and 2022 before jumping to Aston Martin, be plotting a nostalgic homecoming? Hardly, says Cowell, who found the idea as amusing as a mid-race tyre swap on a unicycle.

Cowell’s Cool Dismissal

“I’m happy for Fernando to wander into any garage,” Cowell told Sky Sports, barely containing his smirk. “He knows lots of people up and down the pit lane.

“I’m also happy with the fact that he’s contracted to us next year and hopefully will stay with us long term as an ambassador with us.”

In other words, Alonso’s just catching up with old mates, including his personal manager Flavio Briatore, not negotiating a secret contract over croissants.

Cowell’s confidence in Alonso’s commitment is unshaken, praising the driver’s relentless drive.

“It’s great working with Fernando, it’s always good to have a competitive person that pushes just like you used to [Rosberg] at Mercedes and pushes the team on and galvanises the team,” he said.

Clearly, Alonso’s pit lane strolls are less about defection and more about his social butterfly tendencies.

Aston’s Rocky Road and 2026 Hopes

Aston Martin’s 2025 season has been as bumpy as a Dakar special stage, with the team languishing in eighth and Alonso only recently scoring points in Spain and Canada.

Yet, with a Honda power unit incoming and major regulation changes looming in 2026, Cowell sees a bright horizon.

• Read also: Aston Martin reunites Newey with former Red Bull ally in sim push

“Next year is one of those unique changes in the regulations where it’s not just the power unit, it’s also the aerodynamic regulations and the fuel as well with an advanced sustainable fuel, different tires and just different tactics during the race,” he explained.

“So it’s every single aspect of the race car that’s changing next year and I guess it’s the culmination of all those changes that makes it exciting.”

As for Alonso, he remains focused on reaching that elusive 33rd win – wherever it may come. But judging by Cowell’s tone, it won’t be in blue.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook