2026 will be a year of great innovation and changes for all teams on the F1 grid, and especially for Aston Martin Honda, according to Fernando Alonso. In fact, the Silverstone team will employ a brand new Team Principal, with famed engineer and key to Red Bull’s championship wins Adrian Newey stepping up to replace Andy Cowell.
The former Red Bull key expert had joined Lawrence Stroll’s team in September 2024 as shareholder and Managing Technical Partner, and has recently taken upon himself a more pivotal role. Newey had joined the technical side of works on the successor of the AMR25, which will follow the updated 2026 Technical Regulations.
A new generation ahead in 2026, with lots of potential for Alonso and Aston Martin
Two-time World Champion Alonso is overall feeling excited and positive ahead of the new F1 2026 season, which will be his fourth with Aston Martin. He explained that his high expectations stem from the long-standings preparations, which had begun in April.
“We switched focus in April, more or less. I’m optimistic because it’s a reset of things. Everyone has the chance to do a better job than the others.”
Addional new factors which, according to Alonso, will definitely improve Aston Martin F1’s chances in 2026 is the inclusion of their new engine manufacturer, Honda, which will solely work for the Silverstone-based team. With the support of the Japanese motorsport giant, as well the many sponsors, anything can happen, the Spaniard added.
“We start from scratch. So that’s one thing that offers always hope. We have our new facilities completed now, we have our own wind tunnel. We have Honda as an engine supplier and only for us, Aramco, Adrian Newey.”
Good feelings all around
“So we have some good things to be optimistic, but this is a very competitive sport and everyone is doing a very good job. So we’ll see. I’m relaxed, it’s a long championship ahead.”
Building on over twenty years of experience in the top single-seater championship, Alonso is confident that the first months will be the most engaging and challenging, as they will lead the way for the rest of the year. All teams involved will have to adapt and make changes to their challengers as the season goes by, however a good and strong technical and financial foundation is definitely the right spot to build on for a successful year ahead.
“I think a lot of things will happen in the first three or four months of the year, when you discover the cars and which direction and philosophy everyone took. You learn a lot of things in the first two or three races. So, you know, I think we have the right people and the right facilities and environment to have a good season. So it’s up to us.”
