How Alonso proved to be a key influence for Newey's Aston Martin move

Alonso made a surprise move to Aston Martin, leaving Alpine behind. The two-time World Champion replaced Sebastian Vettel who decided to call time on his Formula 1 career. Lawrence Stroll and others made it clear that they wanted to put an experienced and successful driver alongside their son, Lance Stroll. In fact, nobody is more experienced in Formula 1 history than Alonso.

Time after time, Fernando Alonso seems to simply sign contracts. When the rest of the world started to think we might be seeing the last of Alonso in F1, the Spaniard simply plodded onwards. The now 43-year-old signed a deal in April that will see him compete in the 2025 and 2026 Formula 1 seasons. And who is to say that will be the end of Alonso's time in F1 if the 2026 Aston Martin car proves to be highly competitive?

Alonso a key influence for Newey

Aston Martin has given Newey plenty to like. A brand new factory at their Silverstone base, which will include a new wind tunnel and a new simulator. Aston Martin's ambition is clearly sky-high. You must also consider that Aston Martin will use a Honda engine in 2026 and beyond after the Japanese manufacturer also decided to leave Red Bull. There's also the hefty wage and even a share offer. But Alonso is also one of the key influencing factors.

In late 2023, before any rumours of a Red Bull exit even ignited, Newey stated one key regret about his F1 career up until that point. "In terms of drivers, Fernando Alonso is one I have always wanted to work with. That's a regret that that never happened because I have a tremendous respect for Fernando," Newey said in an interview with the BBC.

Newey had already made it clear he wanted to work with Alonso. The Spanish driver reflected those feelings when it became clear Newey was on the market. Alonso made his pitch clear: "I consider him the best Formula 1 probably ever had, a legend of the sport, and I feel in a way privileged to drive alongside him in the paddock and obviously as a competitor. But I feel lucky to be part of his journey, and he was part of my journey as well in a way because I competed against his cars," Alonso said earlier in the 2024 season.

Now it is clear the two individuals will come together for, perhaps, one last project in both of their F1 careers.