Fernando Alonso: « We’re putting all the right elements in place »
On the eve of his home Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso displays a mixture of lucidity and optimism. Aston Martin's Spanish driver spoke at a press conference about the state of his team, expectations for this season, the arrival of Adrian Newey, and the major upheavals to come in F1.
The 2025 season holds a special significance for Fernando Alonso. At 43, the two-time world champion embarks on a new chapter of his long career with the same demand: to improve. After two seasons finishing in 5th place in the constructors’ championship, Aston Martin is aiming for a further step forward. As usual, Alonso doesn’t get carried away with euphoria. He emphasizes the difficulty of the midfield battle:
« The objective for us is to improve on what we did last year. We have had two consecutive seasons in 5th place in the constructors’ championship. It will be a challenge, the field will be very tight, so the small details will make a huge difference in terms of points and results. »
He knows that in an ultra-competitive Formula 1, every mistake is costly. And that in a pack where McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari are also fighting for podiums, consistency and operational efficiency will be essential.
Lucidity and Method
There’s no question for Alonso to make any grand statements about the hierarchy until the first laps in race conditions are completed. Even at home, on the Barcelona circuit, he keeps his cool:
« We need to see the cars on track in Bahrain and during the first races, as there are many different types of circuits at the beginning. After that, we will have a better idea of our position. »
This analytical, almost clinical perspective is typical of a driver who has seen it all, experienced it all, and doesn’t get distracted by appearances. For him, the first races are primarily used to accurately assess the car’s strengths and weaknesses and to adjust technical developments.
Adrian Newey and 2026 in the sights
But what makes Alonso’s eyes shine is indeed the future of the team. The arrival of Adrian Newey, expected in a few weeks, represents a strategic turning point. The British aerodynamic genius, architect of titles at Red Bull, will bring invaluable expertise.
There have been a lot of new arrivals, and Adrian Newey will be joining us in a few weeks, so it’s really encouraging for the future.
The focus then turns to 2026, the date of the major regulatory change that could reshuffle the deck. Alonso, far from considering the end of his career, speaks of an exciting future:
With the regulatory changes for 2026, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the sport in general, but especially for our team. We are putting all the right elements in place, and the entire organization is pushing in the same direction.
It may be Aston Martin’s greatest strength today: a structured project, ambitious investments, and a clear guideline. In Barcelona, Fernando Alonso did not come to merely play a part. And his words speak volumes about the solidity of the project that drives him.
