Alonso: Aston Martin progress 'encouraging for next year’s project'

Fernando Alonso found himself in contention for Pole Position in Hungary, with a sub-optimal final sector costing him a crucial tenth in the battle for first.

Still, especially in the context of his back injury, Alonso is pleased with the AMR25’s performance this weekend.

The Spaniard aims to consolidate today’s result tomorrow – whilst also outlining why the team’s qualifying pace is a positive sign for Aston Martin’s 2026 aspirations.

Alonso leads season-best qualifying for Aston Martin

It was over two decades ago that Fernando Alonso claimed his maiden F1 victory in Hungary in a commanding display for Renault.

Having turned 44 years old this week, it is needless to say the Spaniard is in the final chapter of his career.

Aston Martin will be his final project in Formula 1 – which is why the team’s poor development since mid-2023 has been so frustrating.

With a combination of misfortune and the AMR25’s limitations hampering Alonso at the start of the year, this year was beginning to look like a write-off.

Aston’s poor showing in Belgium, which came after a streak of four consecutive points finishes, compounded this sentiment.

However, Alonso and Stroll have been very competitive throughout this weekend. Only the finest of margins denied them Pole Position, something that nobody would have predicted after qualifying 19th and 20th in Spa.

Reflecting on today’s result, the Double World Champion explained how updates made a difference:

“The front wing, which is maybe the first race that we’ve properly used it, is giving us that extra load in the corners.

“And in Hungary, obviously it’s very important.

“I think we are trying to understand also the tools we have in the factory, wind tunnel, CFD, all the new people that joined the team.”

Alonso correctly assesses that Aston Martin are in a critical transitional period, as they work to piece the necessary pieces of the puzzle to become a top team.

The team’s upgrade success this year, particularly in comparison to 2023 and 2024, serves as encouragement about the changes behind the scenes.

Building momentum heading into 2026

Perhaps more than any other midfield team, Aston Martin have been burdened by heavy expectations over recent seasons.

Their successful 2023 campaign, significant investment into new facilities and – inevitably – the presence of a World Champion in Fernando Alonso have all contributed to the heightened scrutiny surrounding the Silverstone factory.

As they sit 8th in the standings, there is clearly a long road ahead for Aston Martin.

With that said, the British squad have reason to be uietly pleased with their trajectory.

The correlation of their new wind tunnel and CFD tools are accurate – something pivotal for Aston’s development in preparation of next year’s regulations.

Adrian Newey and his technical personnel, meanwhile, can focus on their 2026 project with the knowledge that Alonso and Stroll – at least at specific circuits – will have something worth fighting for.

Alonso touched upon this when speaking to the media after securing 5th place on the grid:

“I think it’s the third time, [including the] Imola package and the floor in Silverstone and the front wing now – all three upgrades delivered exactly what we were expecting.

“So this is very encouraging for next year’s project.

“P5 is a great place, for sure, and tomorrow I don’t know what can be possible.

“But we will try to consolidate these positions. It would be huge for the team if we can finish in the starting position.”