Fernando Alonso targets a third F1 title in 2026, banking on Adrian Newey’s expertise to deliver one final triumph.
In 2026, Fernando Alonso will enter the final year of his contract with Aston Martin F1.
It will be a pivotal year for the team, almost a “now or never” moment for Alonso: the legendary Adrian Newey will be at the helm of developing the 2026 Aston Martin F1 car, designed under the new regulations. The goal? To build a winning car, something Newey has accomplished before at the start of regulatory eras.
Fernando Alonso will then be 45 years old. Securing a third career title in 2026 with Aston Martin F1 would be an unforgettable feat in F1 history, 20 years after his last championship.
And Alonso admits to dreaming of it, as he told the BBC.
“I still dream of a third title,” he said.
“Why not? I know 2026 is probably my only chance because 2025 will be extremely tough, but I keep dreaming.”
“F1 is for those who dream… probably because anything can happen. Let’s see.”
In 2026, it will likely be Alonso’s last chance. The Spaniard knows that any regulatory change provides an opportunity to make a significant leap forward.
“Expectations will be high because it’s a new car, a regulatory change, a car built by Adrian.”
The veteran of the grid readily admits: 2026, his final year under contract with Aston Martin F1, could also mark the end of his F1 career.
“Probably—or at least initially—it will be my last season in F1. My contract ends at the end of 2026. It’s the time to deliver, the moment of truth. Expectations are high.”
Alonso still in F1 in 2027…?
But if 2026 turns out better than expected, why not extend and take one last shot in 2027? Alonso isn’t closing the door!
“If 2026 goes well, we have a good time, and there’s an opportunity to race one more year, I’ll be open to it, for sure.”
“I won’t shut the door in advance. But I won’t start thinking about that now—I’ll take each race as if it’s my last and enjoy every second.”
“I think my work ethic, training, and dedication to F1 have been quite extreme, and the results might be paying off.”
“I’ve never missed a test session, a debrief, a factory meeting, or a training session. I’ve never gone out or partied.”
A Career Finale with Newey
Between Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey, the partnership has long been a missed opportunity. The Spaniard chose not to join Red Bull at the end of 2007 and didn’t pursue talks in 2013 either.
Why does Alonso think this time he and Newey have finally aligned?
“Destiny. It seems like destiny always wanted me to miss the chance. But now it’s come at the end of my career, and I’ll enjoy it as much as I can, trying to learn from him.”
“We have mutual respect. We’ve exchanged messages and spoken from time to time, and it seems like we were always in touch. We never worked together, but we were always on the same wavelength in past conversations. I’m looking forward to it.”
“And for Aston Martin, it’s something significant.”
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Staying Power: Alonso’s 2026 Title Ambition Staying Power: Alonso’s 2026 Title Ambition
