Fernando Alonso, one of Formula 1’s most tenacious competitors, has dealt a reality check to Aston Martin fans ahead of the 2025 season. The two-time world champion has admitted that the team is unlikely to secure race wins next year, dashing hopes of an imminent return to glory as they prepare for sweeping regulation changes in 2026.
Aston Martin’s struggles in 2024
Alonso’s optimism at the start of his Aston Martin tenure has been replaced by tempered expectations. After a strong debut season in 2023 that saw him notch eight podiums and help the team finish sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, 2024 marked a sharp decline.
Despite frequent updates to their car, Aston Martin faded into the midfield, scoring just 21 points in the final 10 races of the season—all courtesy of Alonso. The team finished a distant sixth in the standings, trailing Mercedes by a massive 256 points.
“We certainly won’t have the potential to win in 2025,” Alonso told Autosprint. “The cars will be the same as last year, and it will be practically impossible for us to make such a leap forward. We hope it will go better than 2024, but we will not win the championship.”
Eyes on 2026: A new hope with Adrian Newey and Honda
While Alonso has all but ruled out race wins in 2025, he is pinning his hopes on the seismic regulation changes scheduled for 2026. Aston Martin’s decision to bring in renowned design guru Adrian Newey to lead the project and their partnership with Honda for a works engine deal is fueling optimism.
“There will be some regulatory changes, and Adrian Newey will start working on the 2026 project in April,” Alonso revealed. “I hope to get more podiums, some wins, and fight for the championship. But 2026 is a year shrouded in mystery for everyone.”
For Alonso, who has targeted 2026 as his likely swan song, the upcoming regulation overhaul represents his final shot at a championship.
The competitor’s fire still burns
At 43, Alonso’s competitive edge remains as sharp as ever. Despite enduring a win drought since 2013, he insists his hunger for victory hasn’t dimmed.
“Even now, after 20 years, if I go to a karting circuit and see myself second on the timesheet, a tenth or half a tenth from the first, I have the same inner anger, the same frustration, that I might not even have dinner that night,” Alonso said. “I don’t like to lose, no matter how hard I work: it will always be like this.”
2025: A transitional year for Aston Martin
While Aston Martin fans may find little comfort in Alonso’s candid outlook for 2025, the team’s long-term ambitions remain intact. The addition of Newey and Honda signals that Aston Martin is playing the long game, with 2026 poised to be a transformative year.
For Alonso, the wait continues, but his unwavering determination to win ensures that, if and when the opportunity arises, he’ll be ready to seize it.