BAKU, Sept 12 (Askume) – Fernando Alonso said on Thursday Aston Martin was Formula One’s “team of the future” after signing top designer Adrian Newey but admitted that deadline may not be long enough for him.
The Spanish double world champion’s contract expires in 2026, when he will be 45.
Newey, 65, will join the Silverstone team from Red Bull in March and will focus on designing cars for 2026, when Formula One introduces a new set of rules and a new engine era.
“This announcement is definitely a positive week for the team. He is a great addition to the team,” Alonso told reporters at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“The Aston Martin team is kind of the team of the future, we’ve just opened a new building on campus, the wind tunnel is going to be built in January, Honda, Aramco are probably the best partners in the world, and now Aramco Darien.
“I think the team is taking shape, (owner) Lawrence (Stroll)’s vision is taking shape.”
Alonso won the title with Renault in 2005 and 2006 but has not won a race since his 32nd career victory at Ferrari in 2013.
The Spaniard is four races shy of a record 400th Grand Prix, although he has “only” started 393 races so far.
Alonso said the new wind tunnel would be a game-changer for the team, which is currently fifth in the standings and will only use engine partner Mercedes’ wind tunnel when the opportunity arises.
“Step by step we have to win the first game and hopefully we will compete for the title in the future,” he said.
“I know it takes time and in a way I don’t have that much time, but you know I’m relaxed and enjoying the journey.”
Alonso said he will begin racing in 2026 and hopes to continue racing in other series (if not Formula One) after that.
“If I wasn’t in Formula One I would be involved in some way with Aston Martin Racing, so I hope to enjoy that bright future,” he said.
“The Valkyrie (World Endurance Supercar) programme at Le Mans is also taking shape and will start next year, who knows? Maybe ’27, ’28, ’29,” the two-time Le Mans champion added.
