F1 News
Aston Martin's world champion optimistic: 'Expectations are high'
With all the investments made by owner Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin is hoping to achieve great results, to say the least in the 2026 season. Their experienced driver, Fernando Alonso, sees that expectations are high, but he trusts his team moving forward.
While it was rumoured by the Daily Mail that Aston Martin is targeting Max Verstappen in a £1 billion bid, the team already have a Formula One world champion secured for the 2026 season: Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard sees that while it would be a challenge for them to improve this upcoming season, he believes the team need to dream big for '26.
"Then, in 2026 there will be a change in regulations and we will have Adrian Newey working on the project from this April (Newey will start working for the team on 2 March, ed.). We have to be excited about having a good year, but winning the championship is a bigger deal. Even so, I already know that expectations are going to be high when we are in the 2026 pre-season or at the presentation of the car," the two-time champion said on DAZN's 'Decoded' programme.
Alonso understands optimism around the team
The Spaniard sees why his squad could be considered a contender entering 2026. Many key figures join, including Adrian Newey (Red Bull) or Enrico Cardile (Ferrari) the Silverstone-based squad. "New regulations, Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso... A year together. I already know what the questions you are going to ask me are: 'Can we dream of winning the championship?' I would ask them too if I were at home and Adrian Newey went to another team... for example, Williams," the Aston Martin driver began to explain.
He added: "If I am a journalist or, without being a journalist, I am at home watching TV, Williams would be a team to take into account, so it is normal that Aston Martin would be [taken into account as well]. We are all excited."
What does the Spaniard himself hope to achieve in 2026, by when he will turn 45 years old. "I hope I can enjoy more podiums, some victories, fight for some championships... But I know that 2026 is a year that is a bit of a coin toss for everyone and I hope it lands on heads (it works out, ed.)... but we don't know," Alonso concluded.
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