Aston Martin have been dubbed Formula One's 'team of the future' following the signing of top designer Adrian Newey, according to Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard acknowledged that this future might not come soon enough for him, given his contract runs until 2026, by which time he will be 45 years old. Newey, aged 65, is set to join the Silverstone-based team from Red Bull in March, with his primary focus on designing the car for 2026, coinciding with Formula One's new set of rules and a fresh engine era.
"It has been a positive week for the team with the announcement. He's a great addition to the team," Alonso told reporters at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. "The Aston Martin team is, in a way, the team of the future. We are just opening new buildings at the campus, the wind tunnel will be operational in January, and we have Honda, Aramco, the best partners in the world, and now Adrian as well." Alonso believes the team is coming together and that owner Lawrence Stroll's vision is becoming a reality.
Alonso, who won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, has not secured a race win since his 32nd career victory with Ferrari in 2013. The Spaniard is on the verge of extending his record with a 400th grand prix start, having already participated in 393. Alonso highlighted the significance of a new wind tunnel, which he believes will be a game-changer for a team currently ranked fifth and limited to using Mercedes' wind tunnel when available.
"Step by step, we have everything we need to achieve that first race win and hopefully fight for championships in the future," he said. "I'm aware that this takes time and I don't have that time, but I'm relaxed and enjoying the journey." Alonso expressed his intention to continue driving in 2026 and potentially beyond, possibly in other series if not in Formula One. "If I'm not driving in Formula One, I will be with the Aston Martin team in some capacity, so I will enjoy that bright future," he added. The Valkyrie world endurance hypercar program for Le Mans is also taking shape, with a debut planned for next year, and Alonso hinted at potential involvement in the years to come.
