Celebrating his milestone 400th Grand Prix start at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso continues to defy the odds in his impressive Formula 1 career. Alonso, now 43, is the first driver in F1 history to reach this landmark, though he has yet to clinch a race victory in over a decade. As he enters the 2025 season with Aston Martin, his fans eagerly await his return to the top of the podium, but the Silverstone-based team may still be some time away from challenging the frontrunners.
Looking ahead, Alonso is particularly focused on 2026, when legendary car designer Adrian Newey will join Aston Martin, potentially offering the technical edge they need. Until then, Alonso appears patient, fully aware that a major leap in performance may only come with Newey’s expertise and vision. With this impending partnership, Alonso’s choice to stick with Aston Martin shows his long-term belief in the team’s potential to become genuine title contenders.
Former F1 driver Christian Danner recently expressed admiration for Alonso, noting the Spaniard’s unique ability to adapt to F1’s constantly evolving regulations. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Danner highlighted how Alonso has thrived in every era of the sport, from grooved tires and V10 engines to today’s complex hybrid systems. Danner observed that while most drivers excel within specific eras, Alonso has shown an uncanny consistency across decades, a rare trait that he believes makes him particularly well-suited for F1’s future.
Aston Martin is actively building a strong foundation in preparation for the 2026 regulation changes, with recent high-profile hires like Newey, Enrico Cardile from Ferrari, and Andy Cowell from Mercedes. Additionally, the team is investing in advanced facilities, such as their first wind tunnel, and shifting to Honda engines. Team owner Lawrence Stroll’s ambitious plans reflect a clear goal: to position Aston Martin among the championship contenders.
For Alonso, Aston Martin’s current weakness is not talent or innovation but experience compared to rivals. Previously accustomed to the midfield, Aston Martin has accelerated its learning curve under Stroll’s leadership. Alonso, drawing comparisons with McLaren’s steady progress, sees Aston Martin’s journey as one of growth and adjustment, building up the expertise needed to challenge consistently for wins and ultimately, championships.