Fernando Alonso has expressed that he is relishing an “incredible” chance to work with Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey when he moves to Aston Martin in 2025.
Aston Martin’s announcement that Newey will become the side’s new Managing Technical Partner from next March will mean his path aligns with Alonso at long last.
Alonso has never worked with the sport’s most esteemed designer, who was the inspiration behind the Red Bull cars that denied the Spaniard winning titles at Ferrari.
The current Aston Martin driver has spoken on several occasions about his desire to work with Newey as he continues to chase that elusive third championship in F1.
Newey will improve a team which has made several headline recruits, boasts a state-of-the-art headquarters and has an impending tie-up with engine supplier Honda.
With revamped technical regulations on the horizon in 2026, Alonso is convinced that he is in the best place possible to return to the top step once more in the series.
“I think, yeah, as you said, been racing against each other for many years,” Alonso said. “I would say that he was more an inspiration.
“I think thanks to Adrian and his talent and cars, I think we all got better as a driver, as engineers, teams. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him to be able to compete.
“I think now is an incredible day for the team. Lawrence’s [Stroll, team owner] vision is taking shape with this building, with Adrian, with Honda, Aramco, new wind tunnel.
“You know, so definitely the team of the future, I would say.
“And yeah, for me, it’s going to be an incredible opportunity professionally to work with Adrian and to keep wearing this green colour, which I’m very proud to be part of.
“But also it’s on a personal side, an incredible opportunity to work with this, with these people that you can learn so much from them.
“I think I was talking with Lance [Stroll] a few weeks ago, the incredible opportunity we have to witness and to work with Lawrence and with everyone.
“Aston Martin, which definitely we are learning a lot of things on track, off track as well. And it’s a part of our growth personally as well.”
Newey, whose admiration towards Alonso has remained mutual, recalled the time when the two came close to working together when the latter turned down Red Bull.
“Fernando, of course, I mean, we’ve battled against each other for so many years. He’s been a bit of an arch-enemy at times.
“And we came so close to him joining Red Bull in 2008 for the 2009 season, but unfortunately it didn’t quite happen, which is a great shame.
“So we continue to battle against each other. So he’s a legend of the sport, so very much looking forward to working with him.”
Alonso’s (Briatore led?) decision that RB was not a serious option for a young 2 times WDC is probably ehy FA is now an old 2 times WDC.
What if…..