Photo: Race Pictures

Alonso puts rivals on high alert with bold Aston Martin 2026 claim

15:23, 13 Dec

Updated: 16:49, 13 Dec

bySamson Ero

Fernando Alonso is confident Aston Martin possess all the ingredients required for a significant step forward when Formula 1’s new regulations come into force in 2026.

“I'm optimistic because it's a reset of things.”

- Fernando Alonso

Speaking to GPblog in Abu Dhabi, the Spaniard struck an upbeat tone as he assessed the Silverstone-based team’s prospects under the next rules cycle. Alonso highlighted the opportunity to start afresh as a major source of encouragement for Aston Martin.

“We switched focus in April, more or less, and I'm optimistic because it's a reset of things. Everyone has the chance to do a better job than the others. We start from scratch, so that's one thing that always offers hope,” he began.

Pointing at the state-of-the-art facilities the Aston Martin team, in collaboration with its partners, have assembled, the two-time world champion continued:

“We have our new facilities completed now. We have our own wind tunnel. We have Honda as our engine supplier, and only for us. Aramco, A&E, we have some good things to be optimistic about. But this is a very competitive sport, and everyone is doing a very good job. We'll see,” he added.

Fernando Alonso at the Mexico City Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

The 44-year-old concluded by stressing his calm outlook ahead of the regulation overhaul, while noting that the opening months of the 2026 season could prove decisive across the grid.

“I'm relaxed. It's a long championship ahead. I think a lot of things will happen in the first three or four months of the year, when you discover the cars and which direction and philosophy everyone took.”

“You learn a lot of things in the first two or three races. I think we have the right people and the right facilities and environment to have a good season. It's a plus,” he concluded.

The 2026 campaign will feature the biggest changes made to Formula 1 in history. The upcoming campaign features sweeping changes to the car design, aerodynamics, chassis and engine.

Wolff raises 2026 concerns for Alonso and others

Earlier, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff offered a prediction that could spell worry for Alonso and several older drivers on the current F1 grid.

The Austrian, in his assessment of the 2026 regulation, stressed it was one that fits perfectly for younger drivers, as opposed to the older class, which Alonso falls into.