Fernando Alonso has opened up on his pride of finally realising a long-held ambition to drive a Formula 1 car designed by Adrian Newey.
The grid’s oldest driver and the sport’s most experienced technical guru have finally come together, as Aston Martin can boast both men in its ranks, the latter designing its latest challenger – the AMR26.
Newey joined Aston last March, but spent 2025 largely focusing on the 2026 creation, and will also double his responsibilities by taking on the role of Team Principal.
The feeling of an F1 ‘super group’ that both Alonso and Newey provide whets the appetite of many a fan, and increases expectations of a prosperous year for the Silverstone-based squad.
And Newey’s aura is certainly not lost on Alonso, who stated his happiness at the launch of its 2026 season that he was “finally” able to drive a Newey-designed car.
“A very proud moment, for sure,” he said. “I’ve been racing against Adrian for the whole of my career, and now finally, I can drive one of his cars.
“I think a huge challenge this year with a new set of regulations, and being a works team, you know, having Honda on our side, Aramco, and the challenge of the sustainable fuels for the 2026 regulations.
“Very proud to be part of this family and this organisation, and looking forward to succeed together.”
Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin keen to ‘work flat out’ to achieve goals
Aston Martin’s mission is to reach the front of the field, having got close during 2023.
The team’s Silverstone technology campus is ever-growing and with Newey now
“I feel this is a very important moment for the team,” Alonso declared. “It’s the very first time we are a works team. We have all the new pieces coming together. We have the factory now completed, we have the windtunnel, we have Honda, and we have a new set of regulations.
“So everything combines in a very important season for the team. What I feel is that it’s the beginning of something important in the next coming years.
“So yeah, as I said, very proud, very excited to be part of the project, and we are really looking forward to work flat out to have the success that I think this team deserves in the near future.”
READ MORE – GALLERY: Aston Martin unveils first livery of the Newey era
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