Alonso speaks out on Aston Martin's chances in 2026: "Anything can happen"
F1 News
Fernando Alonso gives Aston Martin as good a chance as any other team on the grid for the 2026 Formula 1 season, saying "anything can happen". There is lots of excitement around the British team for that upcoming season, with the regulation change and the signing of master designer Adrian Newey meaning that the 43-year-old could be a driver to watch out for in 2026.
2001 was when Fernando Alonso first made his debut in F1 with Minardi. Fast-forward 3 years, and he has 32 Gran Prix victories to his name, two world championships, and is arguably one of the greatest drivers to have raced in the premier class of motorsport. However, in 2026, when Alonso will then be 45 years of age, there is still the belief that he could challenge for world titles.
2024 was a disappointing year for the Spaniard in what was his second year at Aston Martin, only able to score 70 points throughout the year after a stunning 2023 debut for the British team. That season saw Alonso step onto the podium eight times, score 206 points, and finish fourth in the drivers' championship ahead of Charles Leclerc. It was a disappointing dropoff in form for Aston Martin, but the pure pace of Alonso was there for all to see.
Alonso says he is "still dreaming" of title success
The 43-year-old will be hoping that the pure pace he had will still be with him in 2026 when many people believe that Aston Martin could be fighting right at the front of the grid. The signing of Newey after he left his post at Red Bull has excited many in and around Aston Martin, and the knowledge that the master designer will be working on the 2026 car for when the new regulations come in has buoyed the confidence in Alonso.
In an interview with BBC Sport, the Spaniard was asked about the prospect of winning a third driver's title: "I still dream. Why not? I know 2026 is probably my only chance because 2025 is extremely difficult, but I am still dreaming. F1 is for dreamers, probably, because anything can happen. Let's see."
11 years ago was the last time Alonso stepped onto the top step of the podium in F1, but with the greatest designer the sport has ever seen in Newey now working on the Spaniard's car for 2026. The 65-year-old designer has 11 world titles to his name, and he will be looking to add even more at Aston Martin, with Alonso knowing there will be huge expectations for the British team.
"Expectations will be high because it is a new car, change of regulations, car made by Adrian. Probably - or at least to start - it will be my last season in F1. Because my contract finishes at the end of 2026. It is the time of delivering and the time of truth. High expectations," concluded the two-time world champion.