Fernando Alonso discusses Aston Martin woes with Adrian Newey

Fernando Alonso confirmed that he has been holding regular technical discussions with renowned engineer Adrian Newey in an effort to remedy the chronic performance problems of Aston Martin’s 2026 car, the AMR26. Seven rounds into the season the Silverstone‑based team has scored only a single point, earned at Monaco, and has struggled with a fragile chassis, a unreliable works Honda power unit and new‑designed gearboxes.

Alonso qualified last at the Barcelona Grand Prix and retired from the race, saying the weekend could be his final appearance in Formula 1. Despite the setback he remains optimistic, noting that Newey “is thinking ahead of time” and is already providing input for upcoming packages, including the Singapore street circuit. Aston Martin hopes the collaboration will yield upgrades that can lift the car from the back of the grid.

The team’s difficulties contrast with the season’s dominant rivals, and the ongoing dialogue between Alonso and Newey highlights the franchise’s urgency to reverse its fortunes before the championship progresses further.