Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has spoken with optimism about his team’s future despite the challenges they’ve faced during the 2025 Formula 1 season. After a disappointing weekend at the Miami Grand Prix, where Alonso and his team struggled with pace, the veteran driver’s eyes are already focused on 2026, confident that his team’s big plans will come to fruition.
Looking Toward 2026: A New Era for Aston Martin
Despite the struggles of the 2025 season, Fernando Alonso is not one to be disheartened. In fact, he’s already looking ahead with ambition, setting his sights firmly on the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. According to the Spaniard, Aston Martin’s big goals are not just about performance this year—they’re building for a future where they believe they can challenge for the sport’s top honors. Alonso’s words following the Miami GP, where the team’s car showed a lack of pace compared to the competition, were filled with hope and belief in his team’s long-term plans.
“Our goal is to win the championship in 2026. Are we approaching it? We’ll only know that by February of next year,” said Alonso in a statement that speaks volumes about the level of focus Aston Martin is bringing to the coming seasons. The team has faced a tough road in 2025, but Alonso insists that their efforts in the development department and long-term strategy are aimed at greatness.
Alonso’s confidence stems from his belief in the technical staff behind the team. In his words, “We have the best designer in history on board.” This is a clear reference to Aston Martin’s chief technical officer, Dan Fallows, who previously worked at Red Bull Racing and played a key role in the design of their championship-winning cars. The presence of Fallows, along with a significant investment in resources like the team’s new wind tunnel, has given Alonso great confidence in the team’s potential.
While 2025 may not be the year that sees them lifting the championship, the groundwork for success is being laid for 2026 and beyond. “We’ve added a new wind tunnel, we’ve made significant investments in our infrastructure, and we’re developing a car that will hopefully be competitive enough to challenge for the title,” Alonso said.
Struggles in Miami but Personal Confidence Remains High
Aston Martin’s performance at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix was far from impressive, with the AMR25 showing some of the worst race pace on the grid. Alonso himself found it difficult to extract performance from the car, especially in the heat of battle during the sprint and the main race. Despite this, he remains unconcerned about his personal form and performance.
“The car’s situation is clear. We know where we are, and we’re aware of the challenges. But personally, I have no doubts about my own performance,” Alonso said. His self-assurance was highlighted when he managed to qualify for the top 10 in the sprint shootout (SQ3), despite a difficult car under challenging conditions.
Alonso’s experience and racecraft came to the fore during the sprint race, where he was involved in a battle for the podium positions alongside drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon. Despite the car’s limitations, Alonso found himself fighting for a top position, which only added to his confidence in his own driving abilities.
“We were very slow in a very tricky environment, yet I still managed to get through to SQ3 in the sprint qualifying session. In the sprint race, I was battling with Hamilton and Albon for a podium position. The car’s condition is obvious, but I personally am not worried,” he commented. His statement reflects not only his faith in his skills but also his belief that Aston Martin can bounce back in the near future.
Optimism Amidst Adversity
While many would expect a driver to be disheartened after a series of underwhelming results, Alonso’s attitude remains optimistic. He acknowledges that the team has faced a difficult start to the 2025 season, but he is quick to point out that the focus should be on the bigger picture. “This year, we’ve been present at 19 races, and while we haven’t been able to score points in some of the races where we were hoping for more, we are still staying positive,” he said.
Alonso’s calmness in the face of adversity speaks volumes about the culture at Aston Martin. Despite facing criticism for the car’s lack of pace, the team continues to push forward, confident that their hard work will eventually pay off. His refusal to dwell on the negatives and his commitment to staying focused on long-term goals reflects the kind of mentality that has made him one of the most respected drivers in Formula 1.
“We are fully aware of where we stand, and we’ve had to accept that there have been races where we’ve been unable to score points. That can be frustrating, but we remain committed to the mission,” Alonso said.
The team’s resilience is also visible in how they handle the difficult moments. Despite their performance in Miami, Alonso made it clear that the team has not lost their focus. “It might seem contradictory to some people that we’re still speaking positively after some tough results, but the reality is that we are genuinely optimistic about what the future holds.”
A Big Year Ahead for Aston Martin
The 2026 Formula 1 season could prove to be a pivotal one for Aston Martin. Alonso’s remarks suggest that he and the team are preparing for something big. With the new regulations coming into play and the team’s significant investments in both infrastructure and personnel, the ingredients are there for a competitive resurgence. However, the team knows that reaching the top of the sport requires patience, planning, and careful execution.
“Everything we are doing is with an eye on 2026. We know that the journey to the front is not going to be quick or easy, but we have the people and the resources to get there,” Alonso emphasized. For the two-time world champion, the 2025 season is a stepping stone, a year of continued development and learning.
The confidence in the team’s future is palpable, and Alonso’s belief in Aston Martin’s capabilities is evident. If the team can continue to improve their car and maintain their focus, 2026 could be the year that sees Aston Martin finally challenge for the ultimate prize: the Formula 1 World Championship.
In conclusion, while 2025 has been a tough season for Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso remains unwavering in his belief that the team’s long-term goals are still achievable. With the backing of one of the best designers in the sport and a solid foundation being built for the future, the 2026 season could very well mark the beginning of a new era of success for the team. And with Alonso at the wheel, anything is possible.
