Newey "pretty confident" Aston Martin will retain Alonso for 2027

Newey backs Aston Martin’s chances of keeping Alonso

Adrian Newey says he is “pretty confident” Fernando Alonso will remain with Aston Martin beyond the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite continued speculation over the two-time world champion’s future.

Alonso’s contract with the Silverstone-based team expires at the end of 2026. The 45-year-old therefore faces three options: continue with Aston Martin, retire from Formula 1, or pursue a move elsewhere in the paddock. A decision is expected in the coming weeks, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort marking the first race after the summer break.

The Spaniard has made no firm commitment to racing in 2027. At the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Alonso said, “this is probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1,” while adding that he approaches every 2026 event as though it could be his final appearance.

Aston Martin’s performance adds pressure

Alonso has also been linked with a return to Alpine, where he won his two titles in 2005 and 2006. Such a move would represent his fourth stint with Team Enstone, with Flavio Briatore reportedly interested in pairing him with Pierre Gasly. Alonso, however, has played down those rumours.

The decision comes during a difficult Aston Martin campaign. The team is 10th in the constructors’ standings with one point, scored by Alonso. Honda’s power unit has suffered problems, while the AMR26 chassis has failed to deliver the required performance. Recent coverage has also examined the scale of Aston Martin’s power-unit difficulties in greater detail.

There are, however, signs that the project may be moving in the right direction. Aston Martin’s Hungarian Grand Prix produced no points, but it was widely viewed as the team’s most encouraging weekend of the season. A major upgrade package generated tangible pace gains, with Alonso reaching Q2 for the first time in 2026 and the team’s race pace moving from the back of the field towards the midfield.

Honda is also scheduled to bring an upgraded engine to Zandvoort. That development could provide another step for the AMR26 as Aston Martin attempts to build momentum through the second half of the season and into the off-season.

Newey: Alonso remains a priority

Asked at the Hungaroring how important it was to retain Alonso, and how confident he was that Aston Martin would do so, Newey was unequivocal.

“Obviously, Fernando is an amazing driver,” Newey told media. “He brings huge amounts to the team, both in his feedback and his ability. So, for us, of course, it’s important.”

He added: “I’m pretty confident that Fernando is enjoying his time with us and that we will continue with our relationship.”