Fernando Alonso has admitted he expects “a lot of things to happen” in the opening races of 2026 as teams get accustomed to Formula 1‘s new rules.
The two-time World Champion and Aston Martin have made no secret of their choice to prioritise the 2026 regulation changes well ahead of schedule.
The Silverstone-based squad accepted short-term compromises in 2025 in exchange for a stronger foundation heading into the upcoming campaign.
As the sport prepares for the biggest regulation changes within a decade, Alonso believes opportunity exists. But only for those who execute perfectly.
With new chassis rules, a new power unit formula, and major aerodynamic changes in line, the pre-existing F1 pecking order will likely be completely different.
Thus, Alonso revealed his team, which finished 2025 in seventh, committed heavily to the future rather than chasing short-term gains with minimal upside.
“We switched focus in April, more or less,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.
“I’m optimistic, because it’s a reset of things. You know, everyone has the chance to do a better job than the others.”
Aston Martin now boasts a fully operational, state-of-the-art factory complete with its own wind tunnel, eliminating its reliance on external facilities that previously limited development.
“We start from scratch, so that’s one thing that offers always hope,” he said. “We have our new facilities completed now and our own wind tunnel.”
Additionally, Aston Martin has an exclusive partnership with Honda, allowing for in-house engine and chassis design under one roof for the first time in the team’s modern history.
“We have Honda as an engine supplier, and only for us,” he acknowledged.
“Aramco, Adrian Newey… so we have some good things to be optimistic [about], but this is a very competitive sport, and everyone is doing a very good job. So we’ll see.”
Alonso expects early 2026 surprise
However, despite Alonso’s quiet optimism, the Spaniard remains realistic about his chances at the beginning of the 2026 season.
The 44-year-old emphasised that most teams will be starting on a similar page, and thus, early races appear to be anyone’s game.
But Alonso knows a championship isn’t decided in the first rounds of the season. Rather, he is already remaining focused on the entire 24-race-long season ahead.
“I’m relaxed. You know, it’s a long championship ahead,” he expressed.
“I think a lot of things will happen in the first three or four months of the year, when you discover the cars and which direction and philosophy everyone took, you learn a lot of things in the first two or three races.”
With cost-cap restrictions limiting how quickly teams can recover from early missteps, initial races could set the tone for the entire season.
Still, Alonso is confident that Aston Martin has created the right environment to fight at the front.
“So, you know, I think we have the right people and the right facilities and environment to have a good season So it’s up to us,” he concluded.
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