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Alonso rejects exit talk, fully backs Newey-led Aston project

Fernando Alonso has suggested that he has no intention of walking away from Aston Martin’s ambitious Formula 1 project – even as the team continues to navigate a difficult transformation under the sport’s new technical era.

Amid growing speculation about the two-time world champion’s future beyond the 2026 season, Alonso has made it clear that his faith in the Silverstone-based outfit remains unwavering, insisting he believes Adrian Newey can eventually deliver a championship-winning car.

The Spaniard’s patience is being tested after the Silverstone-based early struggles under the new regulations, with the team still searching for the performance level required to fight at least at the top of Formula 1’s midfield.

But after introducing a significant upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso believes the squad is finally moving in the right direction.

“It’s not that I need answers,” Alonso explained. “I think I have a pretty clear picture of the team, that we will fix all the problems.

“They take time, but I have no doubts, I have zero doubts that Adrian will provide the best car on the grid sooner or later.”

Faith in Newey-led project intact

Since joining Aston Martin in 2023, Alonso has experienced both the highs and lows of the team’s transformation.

His first season produced eight podium finishes and a fourth-place championship result, but the progress stalled as rivals moved ahead and the team struggled to maximise its machinery.

Despite those setbacks, Alonso remains convinced the foundations are in place for a future title challenge.

“As I said before, I would like to see the first step with this package, understanding after the first couple of races, and I think there’s going to be more to come next year, that’s for sure, and the years to come.”

The veteran driver also backed Honda to overcome the reliability and performance issues that have affected Aston Martin’s new power unit partnership.

“On the power unit, I think I have no doubts as well. It’s a matter of time that Honda fixes the issues,” he added.

“We started on the back foot, yes, we’re dealing with that process now, and that pain on the weekends. We’re working together to fix the issues.”

For the two-time world champion, the uncertainty is not about whether Aston Martin can eventually become competitive, but how quickly that breakthrough will arrive.

“It’s just how soon the car will be competitive – that’s the question mark. Maybe the next two races will give us a little bit of a feeling for that.”

Newey confident Alonso remains committed

While Alonso’s comments have helped quiet speculation, Newey has also moved to reinforce the belief that the partnership can continue beyond the current campaign.

The Aston Martin team principal and technical chief believes Alonso’s contribution is far too valuable to overlook, highlighting the Spaniard’s ability to guide the team’s development process.

“Obviously, Fernando is an amazing driver,” Newey said. “He brings huge amounts to the team, both in his feedback and his ability. So, for us, of course it’s important.”

“I’m pretty confident that Fernando is enjoying his time with us and that we will continue with our relationship.”

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Alonso himself echoed that confidence in his own future, stressing that he still feels motivated and ready for the challenge ahead.

“For me, I’m relaxed. As I’ve said many times, I’m thinking I need to know what I do next year, and the years to come. I feel fresh, I feel motivated, I feel fast.”

And when asked directly whether he could be tempted by another opportunity away from Aston Martin, Alonso dismissed the speculation with a straightforward response:

“I do have a contract, so I’m not moving!”

With Newey spearheading Aston Martin’s technical revolution and Alonso continuing to believe in the project, the Silverstone squad appears determined to preserve one of the most intriguing partnerships on the Formula 1 grid.

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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.

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