Fernando Alonso has expressed immense pride as he prepares to drive an F1 car crafted by Adrian Newey for the first time in his illustrious career. The Honda-powered Aston Martin AMR26 was unveiled to the public, marking a significant milestone in the team’s journey.
On Monday, Alonso, along with teammate Lance Stroll and Newey, traveled to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for a special livery launch held at the Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture). This event signifies the commencement of Aston Martin’s campaign for the 2026 season.
Following an initial outing during the Barcelona Shakedown, where he noted that the legendary designer “is consistently imparting knowledge,” the two-time World Champion reflected on the significance of collaborating with Newey. He stated, “This is undoubtedly a very proud moment for me, considering Newey’s cars have secured 14 Drivers’ and 12 Teams’ titles throughout the years.”
Alonso continued, “Having raced against Adrian for my entire career, it’s a dream come true to finally be behind the wheel of one of his creations. This year presents a considerable challenge with the new regulations, especially as a works team with Honda as our power unit partner and Aramco as our fuel partner. The transition to sustainable fuels for the 2026 regulations adds another layer of complexity.”
He added, “I take great pride in being part of this organization and am eager to work together towards success.” With the partnership with Honda and a cutting-edge facility at Silverstone, Alonso remarked, “This is a pivotal moment for the team. It’s our inaugural year as a works team, and everything is aligning perfectly.”
He believes the upcoming season will be particularly intriguing, highlighting the importance of the Australian Grand Prix as a starting point. However, he emphasized that understanding and addressing any weaknesses in the car will be crucial as the season progresses. “The Bahrain test and the initial races will help shape our trajectory for the remainder of the season, so we are extremely focused on the car’s development,” he noted.
Stroll, sitting next to Alonso at the event, echoed the excitement about what lies ahead. Having been involved in the Aston Martin project since its return to F1 as a factory team in 2021, he shared, “Everything is coming together. The new regulations and our collaboration with Honda, plus driving a car designed by Adrian Newey, is incredibly thrilling!”
Reflecting on the team’s evolution since 2021, Stroll remarked, “The transformation we’ve undergone is remarkable. Our ambition is clear: we aim to win and contend for championships in the future. It’s an exhilarating time for everyone involved.”
Both Alonso and Stroll are set to return to the AMR26 in Bahrain later this week, as they prepare for the first of two official pre-season tests at the Sakhir circuit.
