Adrian Newey eyeing 'important' factor to keep Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin

Adrian Newey has voiced his desire to see Fernando Alonso remain at Aston Martin beyond the end of the 2026 season, with the team principal pinning his hopes on a major upgrade package to persuade the Spaniard to commit for another year.

Aston Martin's 2026 campaign has been nothing short of dismal, as the team sits towards the rear of the constructors' championship on a solitary point, scored through Alonso's lone 10th-place finish. 

Lance Stroll, meanwhile, has yet to trouble the scorers, sitting 22nd in the drivers' standings with a best result of 15th. 

The AMR26 has been consistently off the pace, leaving both drivers scrapping at the back of the field rather than in the midfield battle, let alone at the front.

Aston Martin deliberately chose not to bring incremental updates to the car, instead channelling all resources into one large overhaul. That strategy has left both drivers enduring a long, painful first half of the season.

"Both drivers have shown frustration, and at times that has spilled into the media,” team principal Adrian Newey told AstonMartinF1.com. 

“But it's also understandable. They're competitive animals. They want to fight at the front. I've had a lot of conversations with both of them about where we are, where we're going."

Alonso's contract expires at the end of 2026, and reports suggest Alpine, led by his long-time associate Flavio Briatore, could be looking at a reunion with the two-time champion for 2027.

The long-awaited upgrade is set to arrive at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and Newey hopes it will be enough to keep Alonso in green.

"It's very important. Fernando is really looking forward to the upgrade and, if it performs we hope he'll be in the cockpit for another season," Newey said.

 "Given his experience, his feel for the car, his ability to guide development, he's a tremendous asset. But he wants to see clear, tangible progress.

“If we can show that we're moving decisively in the right direction, he's absolutely committed to being behind the wheel."