Alonso welcomes ‘dream’ partnership with Newey amidst rumours

Fernando Alonso dreams of working alongside Formula 1 design virtuoso Adrian Newey, a possibility which has revealed itself in recent days.

Alonso, who drives for Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, recently announced a contract extension with the Silverstone-based outfit until the end of the 2026 season.

2026 will see the introduction of a brand new set of technical regulations which teams must adhere to. These include active aerodynamics, a Manual Override Mode aimed at improving overtaking and a switch to 100% sustainable fuel among others.

Aston Martin will acquire the services of Honda as their engine supplier in the same year, with the aim of immediately challenging for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships as proclaimed by Alonso.

The team, fronted by Lawrence Stroll, have doubled down on their development as future Title contenders by attempting to persuade outgoing Red Bull Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey to join them.

Newey announced that he would be leaving the Milton Keynes-based outfit earlier this year, and has so far kept his cards close to his chest regarding a move to a rival team. Many speculate that the engineer may move to Scuderia Ferrari to follow Lewis Hamilton’s sensational move to the Italian team. It is also rumoured that Newey is not considering Aston Martin despite the large salaries that the British team are capable of offering.

Despite this, it has been revealed by The Times that Stroll and Newey have entered talks after the pair went on a private tour of Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art Silverstone factory.

Now Alonso has offered up his opinion on working with Newey as the chances of a legendary partnership have suddenly reignited.

We admire each other

Speaking to Agencia EFE before the Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso commented on his relationship with Newey over the years. They have often been rivals, with the latter garnering Championships while the former couldn’t match the Red Bulls while driving for Ferrari, Alpine and Aston Martin.

He said: “We have a very respectful relationship. Mutual. He released a book in Spain and gave me the opportunity to write the prologue.

“I think both of us have said publicly that we admired each other; that we greatly respected each other’s work. But, apart from that, I think little else.

“He is a fierce rival, who has helped all the teams to be better; to always look for a better version of ourselves. Now that he is free, on the market, logically we would all want, or dream, of having that possibility,” added Alonso.

However, when it comes to the likelihood of Newey joining Aston Martin, the veteran F1 driver is not so sure. He concluded: “But, well, also reading the rumours or the things that are said, it seems that he is close to Ferrari.

“So we’ll see. Whatever he decides, he will be welcome.”

Alonso will drive at his home Grand Prix next at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday 23 June.

Feature Image Credit: F1 Media