Fernando Alonso has declared he wants to win a third Formula 1 world title in the next two or three years—which may be the only seasons he has left in what has already been a long and glittering career.
For Alonso, who turns 44 in next July, winning’s his “first and only priority.” He’s already been crowned Formula 1 champion twice, winning back-to-back seasons in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, but the Spanish driver wants to close out two dozen seasons in the sport with one more trophy.
Lucky then, that everything seems to be coming up trumps at Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based squad just locked Alonso up through to the 2026 season (he’ll race alongside Lance Stroll) and added the legendary Adrian Newey as new managing technical partner.
That combination already has mouths watering, with the former Red Bull mastermind preparing to design a title-winning car for the driver he waged war against so many times through the 2000s and 2010s.
While Alonso “cannot predict the future,” he’s already hopeful his 33rd win and a third title is coming.
“We have quite good things coming in the next few months in the team,” he said.
“Especially,” the Spanish driver continued, “the wind tunnel. I would say that is a gamechanger for us. We are using now Mercedes’ wind tunnel and obviously limited on time, limited when in the week they allowed us to go there and things. To have our own wind tunnel and use [it] wisely, that will be a huge step forward.
“And I think the factory as well, we cannot forget Aston Martin two years ago, still on a very small building from Racing Point, Force India. And now, we [have] double the personnel and we have this new facility.
“So, step by step, we have all to have that first race win and hopefully [we’ll be] fighting for championships in the future. I’m aware that this takes time, and I don’t have that time in a way. But I’m relaxed and I’m enjoying the journey.”
That journey may take a little while to kick into top gear though, with Alonso tempering expectations around an immediate Aston Martin title charge when they return to the paddock next season. Instead, the two-time F1 champion is looking towards 2026 for when Newey and his design work will truly impact the team’s performances out on the track.
“I don’t think [Newey will influence 2025]. I would like to say yes, but honestly, I don’t think so,” he admitted.
“Maybe March ‘25, I think the focus for most of the teams will be ‘26 projects and the change of regulations. I hope we have a nice surprise, but I doubt it. So I think the ‘26 project should be the first car [where] he has an influence.”
Next up, Alonso and Aston Martin will contest the U.S. GP across the Oct. 19 weekend.
