Jul.25 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s focus has shifted heavily to 2026 – even as the team rolls out what could be its final major upgrade of the current season.
At Spa-Francorchamps, Aston has introduced new parts despite the compressed Sprint weekend format and forecasts of rain, both of which limit track time. The upgrade may not be raced depending on Friday’s single practice session, but Alonso welcomed the early arrival.
“First, I think the priority is to understand if the new parts are bringing performance,” he said Thursday. “Always on a Sprint weekend it’s difficult to achieve that with only one free practice. Maybe the weather is not helping on that side. So, that will be the first priority. Then, yeah, try to score points if we can again this weekend.”
The veteran Spaniard admitted he doesn’t know why the team chose Spa for the package debut, but hinted it may have been advanced from a later round.
“I think the team is trying to bring the upgrades whenever they’re ready,” said Alonso. “Probably this was forecasted for Budapest or later in the season and they managed to bring it a little bit earlier.”
“There’s no guarantee that we will race with it if we have no time to test it. But at the same time, I think it was welcome – that there is this push from everyone in the factory to bring the new parts as soon as possible.”
With parc ferme rules loosening after the Sprint, Alonso said the team has “plenty of possibilities” depending on how Friday unfolds.
“If we do and we opt to race with it, we will have a better feel after the weekend. If we cannot test it in FP1, maybe we opt not to fit it for qualifying,” he explained. “At the same time, I think we have the parc ferm open after the Sprint race, so we could use the first part of the weekend as a test and then race on Sunday with the best spec.”
But beyond the weekend, Alonso made clear that minds at Aston Martin – drivers included – are already drifting to the sweeping 2026 regulation overhaul.
“Actually, I think 80% of the focus is already on 2026, in a way,” he said. “Not only on the engineers and the design team. It’s also the drivers’ head, apart maybe from the two McLaren drivers.
“This year is going to change very little, I think, in the second part.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES