Fernando Alonso has reiterated his utmost confidence in Aston Martin crew boss Adrian Newey, claiming it’s not like he’s ‘forgotten’ methods to design a Formulation 1 automobile regardless of a tough pre-season.
F1 is introducing widespread regulation modifications this 12 months, which means the pecking order is basically unknown, however present indicators level in the direction of Aston Martin being comfortably behind.
That’s as a result of it’s been hit with downside after downside in preparation for 2026: it began with the wind tunnel programme beginning 4 months late in mid-April 2025. This set the Silverstone outfit considerably behind, and on the first collective shakedown of the 12 months in Barcelona, it didn’t hit the monitor till day 4, which means it accomplished much less mileage than others.
Aston was additionally low on mileage finally week’s Bahrain take a look at, as on day one an influence unit downside triggered Lance Stroll to finish simply 36 laps, earlier than the squad additionally missed a lot of day three after a mechanical challenge. Alonso had a greater day two with 98 laps, however he set the second slowest lap and this all triggered Stroll to assert “we’re 4 seconds off” in an especially downbeat interview.
The issue is heightened by Aston having entered the brand new guidelines with nice expectations: it grew to become a Honda works’ outfit and had F1 legend Newey design the automobile after becoming a member of in early 2025. However Alonso isn’t overly fazed by the present state of affairs particularly due to his boss, who has 12 title-winning automobiles on his CV, because the Spaniard stated “yeah” when requested if his confidence within the crew stays.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Photograph by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Photos by way of Getty Photos
“Particularly on the chassis facet,” the world champion added. “The ability unit, it is a little bit bit tougher as a result of we do not have good understanding but on the rules and what’s wanted.
“However on the chassis facet, there is no such thing as a query mark on that. After 30-plus years of Adrian dominating the game, it is not that he’ll neglect every part in a single 12 months.
“I do not know the place we at the moment are when it comes to chassis and grip stage, however even when we’re not at 100 now, we can be at 100 quickly as a result of we’ll repair any downside on the facility unit. We have to give time and perceive the place we’re and, if we’re behind, get higher as quickly as doable.”
The impression of Newey becoming a member of Aston has been felt throughout the crew in accordance with ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, who was notably impressed with the Briton’s response to Bahrain testing.
“We’re the identical folks, we’re the identical; it is simply the truth that since Adrian has arrived, his management is unquestionable,” stated the ex-F1 driver on day three of testing.
“That’s the most important distinction. I felt it, for instance, yesterday, after a really tough day testing right here in Bahrain, he spoke on the technical debrief, and his management is so robust that every one the crew is aware of precisely what they need to do.
Pedro de la Rosa of Spain, Aston Martin F1 Workforce
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photos
“That is very completely different from earlier years, the place everybody may have their very own idea about issues. Adrian may be very clear what must be executed, and nobody raises their hand to query him.
“Subsequently, you might have this huge quantity of assets working in a single single path. I do know it won’t sound convincing to you, however imagine me, sitting there and listening to this second was very inspiring for all of us. Particularly when issues go unsuitable. When issues go proper, we do not want a pacesetter. It is when issues go unsuitable.”
De la Rosa’s perception in Newey is so robust that he doesn’t imagine it is a panic station simply but for Aston Martin – with him assured it could possibly flip issues round.
“I believe it is a turning level, having Adrian within the crew,” added de la Rosa. “We aren’t comfortable, let’s be trustworthy. Nobody is comfortable when you find yourself second slower than what you have been anticipating. But it surely’s true as effectively to say that nobody is anxious. It is completely different. We aren’t comfortable, however we’re not like, ‘Oh, that is it, no, no approach’.”
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