Alonso hails Stroll and Newey as 'most determined' leaders ahead of Aston Martin's new era

Fernando Alonso has placed immense faith in Aston Martin's revamped leadership, singling out owner Lawrence Stroll and new team principal Adrian Newey as two of the most fiercely competitive figures he has ever encountered. This endorsement comes as the team embarks on a critical new chapter with the 2026 regulation overhaul and its new works partnership with Honda.

Why it matters:

Alonso’s public backing of the team's top brass underscores the high-stakes environment at Aston Martin. With sweeping new technical regulations on the horizon for 2026, stable and driven leadership is paramount. The combination of Stroll's financial ambition and Newey's unparalleled technical genius represents the team's most potent attempt yet to transition from a midfield contender to a consistent front-runner, making this a defining period for the Silverstone-based squad.

The details:

• Alonso's comments came during the launch of the radical-looking AMR26, which aims to be a foundation for the new regulatory era.
• He described the past few years as a learning experience that has strengthened the team's resolve, noting a shared "hunger" throughout the organization that originates from its leadership.
• Newey's Expanded Role: Initially joining as a managing technical partner, Adrian Newey's influence has been formally expanded to the team principal role, placing him at the operational helm alongside Stroll.
• The AMR26's First Steps: The car completed only 65 laps at a closed-door shakedown in Barcelona—the fewest of any team present—highlighting a potentially cautious or focused testing program for the innovative design.

What's next:

All eyes are on Aston Martin's development trajectory. The immediate focus is on understanding and evolving the AMR26 during pre-season testing in Bahrain. The long-term success of the Stroll-Newey partnership will be measured by the team's ability to translate massive investment and expertise into a car that can regularly challenge for victories when the new engine and chassis rules take full effect in 2026. Alonso's role as a motivator and development driver will be crucial in steering this process.