Jun.8 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s miserable start to 2026 does not mean the season is already lost.
The Spaniard finally scored his – and the Honda-powered team’s – first point of the year in Monaco, although he freely admitted it came thanks more to the chaos around him than genuine pace.
“We got into the points, so I’m happy for the team,” Alonso said.
“Waiting for some opportunities to happen ahead of us, and they did, a penalty here, a penalty there.”
Aston Martin remains rooted at the back of the grid after a disastrous opening phase to the new Honda era, with problems ranging from engine performance to gearbox issues and aerodynamic shortcomings.
“In Australia and Bahrain, the engine,” Alonso listed. “In Miami and Monaco, the gearbox. And in Suzuka, the aerodynamics in the front.”
Despite that, the 44-year-old sounds more optimistic than he has for months.
“The season isn’t over yet,” Alonso told DAZN.
“A new season can begin for us in the second half.”
“We have faith in what we are doing and well, it’s been a tough start to the season, no doubt, in many areas, not just the engine, it’s everything in the project.
“But we have faith in the second half of the year.”
Alonso thinks meaningful progress is still some way off.
“We have to wait four or five races to see it,” he said.
But he is convinced Aston Martin’s aggressive development program – led by Adrian Newey and currently taking place behind the scenes – will eventually pay off.
“I have complete faith in the team because our impression is that the car is going to change,” Alonso said.
“When Adrian Newey comes, he’s very meticulous. We have the best with us.”
Newey, back in the paddock in Monaco for the first time since Australia, confirmed Aston Martin is working towards a major upgrade package.
“We’ve been working on the upgrade, which we’ll probably have ready before the summer break,” he said.
Alonso believes Aston Martin’s position at the back of the field is actually making the situation look worse than it is.
“If with the upgrades we can get between 12th and 15th, then you’ll be in those areas where points are more attainable,” he said.
For now, however, the double world champion admits Aston Martin remains stuck in what he called an “anonymous situation”.
“I feel strong, driving well,” Alonso said. “It’s a shame we’re in an anonymous situation, in last place.”
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