Alonso: Newey arrival leading cause of motivation for 2026

MONTREAL - The 2025 season hasn't been a pleasant one for Aston Martin, but there will be higher expectations in 2026 thanks to the arrival of former Red Bull engineer Adrian Newey.

"Obviously, a lot of the motivation we have (going) into next year is thanks to him," Fernando Alonso told theScore on Thursday. "With all the difficulties we have this year and the problems that we are facing now, to have him on board and looking at next year's car is giving us enough confidence to really look forward to doing these things. The expectation will be high and will be new for everybody."

Newey - who designed a multitude of championship cars for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull - officially began working at Aston Martin in March. While the team previously said Newey's main focus will be on the 2026 regulation changes, Alonso cautions that the team still has issues to tackle in 2025 that will better them next year.

"We are optimistic but with (our) feet on the ground," the Spaniard said. "We know how far behind we are now. We need to somehow find a little bit of performance on this year's car and be better as a team. Even if we have a fast car now, there are a couple areas we need to keep improving. We are trying to use the 2025 season to tackle all those problems and be ready for him."

Alonso, who stood on the podium with Newey after Max Verstappen's win for Red Bull at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, has seen Aston Martin regress in each of the two seasons since then. The squad is tied for eighth in the standings, and Alonso scored his first points of the season in Barcelona earlier this month.

"It's tough," Alonso added. "It's tougher (for us) than some of our opponents. They are not happy because they only finished three or four times on the podium this year. We are fighting to get out of Q1."

Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell also noted earlier Thursday that the 43-year-old has been keen to ensure the outfit prioritizes long-term gains.

"Every time I chat to Fernando about this year's car, he gives me that look of, 'You're not compromising next year, are you?'" Cowell told the media. "And he checks the look in my eyes. I said, 'No, no, no, no, it helps for next year.' I've mentioned 2027 and 2028, but we're determined to do our absolute best for 2026."