Fernando Alonso believes Ferrari is the long-term rival to beat. A motivated Fernando Alonso looks ahead to F1's regulatory changes.

The recently concluded season was not one of the best for Fernando Alonso, who once again had to contend with a car, the AMR24, that fell short of his expectations. This was due to a poorly conceived project that was not adequately developed during the championship.

Aston Martin, the British team led by Lawrence Stroll, did not sit idle after yet another disappointment (the Canadian magnate has been chasing victory in vain for years). The team has acted by “attacking” the engineering market, hiring numerous personnel from top teams to strengthen the weak points that have long hindered the group.

Among the most notable names is, of course, Adrian Newey, the 1958-born engineer from Red Bull, where he worked for 19 years, bringing home numerous championships. But that’s not all. The team also hired Enrico Cardile, born in 1975, who came from Scuderia Ferrari, where he held various roles, including Technical Director.

Another key figure joining Silverstone is Andy Cowell, the former head of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. Cowell is considered the custodian of the secrets of the turbo-hybrid engines that dominated F1 during their initial era. He will serve as CEO, but his expertise in powertrains will undoubtedly be invaluable in collaboration with Honda, Aston Martin’s other major asset.

Aston Martin aims for 2026 with Fernando Alonso

It is hard to imagine Aston Martin fighting at the top in 2025, but the outlook changes for 2026. Fernando Alonso, speaking in an interview with DAZN Spain, expressed some optimism, suggesting the team will soon compete at the top against Ferrari, Mercedes, and other competitors starting in 2026.

This may seem like a daunting task given recent results, but there is confidence within the team as they focus on the major regulatory changes of 2026. The experience and technical expertise of Adrian Newey could make the difference, just as it did during the regulatory shift between 2021 and 2022 when Red Bull took the lead, relinquishing it in the Constructors’ Championship only this season after Adrian Newey left for other professional ventures.

From a driving perspective, it seems the team’s weight rests on Fernando Alonso, as his teammate Lance Stroll needs to step up and prove he deserves his seat if the car offers a chance to win championships.

What the future holds remains to be seen. In 2025, the team will continue its path of consolidation and growth before unleashing its potential in the following season. Fernando Alonso has set his sights on that championship, as, due to his age, he is in a hurry to claim his third title.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that he mentioned Ferrari, the team where his championship dreams were shattered, and where Lewis Hamilton—who challenged him fiercely in 2007 as the only teammate to beat him—now resides. Revenge, as we know, is a powerful motivator in achieving great goals.