Aston Martin is steadily gearing up for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, and their ambitions are crystal clear: they want to fight for the championship in both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings. With a strategic recruitment drive, key technical acquisitions, and a highly anticipated partnership with Honda, the Silverstone-based team is laying the groundwork for what could be their most competitive era yet. But can they deliver on these lofty expectations, and more importantly, could Fernando Alonso be crowned champion at the age of 45?
In recent months, Aston Martin has been making bold moves to bolster their team. The signings of key personnel from Mercedes and Ferrari—specifically Eric Cowell and Enrico Cardile—have signaled their intent to compete at the highest level. Adding to this, legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey has joined as a technical partner, a move that could significantly influence the team’s direction. Newey, renowned for his groundbreaking work at Red Bull, admitted that he has lost two months of working time due to Red Bull’s policies, yet remains optimistic that Aston Martin will be a top contender under the new regulations.
Alonso himself has expressed cautious optimism about the team’s trajectory. He has acknowledged that 2025 will likely be a transitional season, one focused on data collection and incremental improvements rather than outright victories. However, he believes that 2026 is when Aston Martin will truly be in contention. The team’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a cutting-edge wind tunnel and CFD development center, are expected to play a critical role in their success. Lawrence Stroll, the team’s owner, has made it clear that he is no longer willing to settle for mediocrity—he wants championships.
The 2026 regulations will bring sweeping changes, particularly in the power unit department, where Aston Martin will transition from Mercedes engines to a works partnership with Honda. While Honda has a strong track record in Formula 1, the Japanese manufacturer has admitted to facing challenges in preparing for the new regulations. Koji Watanabe, Honda’s president, has acknowledged the difficulties involved in developing a competitive new power unit, citing the complexity of lightweight batteries and the need for compact yet powerful engines. However, many in the paddock suspect Honda’s public concerns could be a form of strategic sandbagging, a tactic often used to downplay expectations while secretly working towards a breakthrough.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Honda’s stop-start approach—having initially exited F1 before recommitting—may have cost them valuable development time. Despite this, Horner remains confident in Honda’s capabilities, describing them as a formidable manufacturer that should not be underestimated.
One of the most intriguing subplots in Aston Martin’s 2026 push is its potential impact on the driver market. With Alonso indicating that he may retire after 2026, speculation has grown regarding Max Verstappen’s future. Jos Verstappen, father of the reigning world champion, has openly stated that if Red Bull fails to deliver a competitive car, Max could explore other options. Given Aston Martin’s aggressive recruitment and strong partnership with Honda, they could emerge as a prime destination for Verstappen.
While Aston Martin’s road to the top is still uncertain, their ambitions are undeniable. The question remains: will they be able to break into F1’s elite and challenge for the title? And if they do, could Alonso defy the odds and become the oldest world champion in history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—2026 is shaping up to be a season that could redefine the Formula 1 landscape
