Fernando Alonso faces a critical decision regarding his future with Aston Martin, with his commitment to the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season reportedly contingent on the direction of Adrian Newey’s technical vision. The two-time world champion’s current contract with Aston Martin concludes at the end of the 2026 season.
Sources close to Alonso indicate he intends to remain in Formula 1 only if he can compete in a truly competitive car, specifically a machine fully designed under Adrian Newey’s influence. Newey joined Aston Martin as Managing Technical Partner at the start of 2025.
The 2026 Aston Martin AMR26 was not entirely shaped by Newey due to his arrival timing. Consequently, the 2027 car is anticipated to be the first complete design from the renowned engineer at the Silverstone-based outfit.
Newey, who also assumed the Team Principal role for the 2026 season, has confirmed that development work on the 2027 challenger is already underway. His focus is on fundamental architectural decisions, including front and rear suspension concepts and gearbox design.
The objective is to initiate 2027 car production earlier, aiming for optimised weight, stiffness, and overall detail. This proactive approach seeks to avoid the pressures experienced during the current season’s car development.
Aston Martin has endured a challenging start to the 2026 campaign, securing only one point from nine Grand Prix weekends, achieved by Alonso. Lance Stroll has yet to score.
Alonso has openly expressed frustration with the AMR26’s performance, describing it as having the ‘worst car and engine’ following qualifying at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya earlier this season.
The team opted to concentrate resources on a single, substantial upgrade package for the AMR26, rather than incremental updates. This B-specification car is expected to debut at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix.
Newey has publicly stated his hope that this significant upgrade will persuade Alonso to extend his stay into 2027. He acknowledges Alonso’s value in guiding development due to his experience and feel for the car.
However, Alonso has indicated that his decision will not solely depend on the Hungarian Grand Prix upgrade. He requires evidence that Aston Martin’s technical trajectory is genuinely moving towards becoming a front-running contender.
The 2027 Formula 1 regulations introduce targeted refinements to both power unit and aerodynamic rules. These changes include an increase in internal combustion engine (ICE) output and a reduction in energy recovery system (ERS) deployment.
Aerodynamic changes for 2027 will also feature significant restrictions to the car’s floor, diffuser, and rear wing, aiming to reduce downforce. The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council ratified these technical regulations in June 2026.
Reports have also highlighted Newey’s continued absence from daily factory operations due to health issues, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the 2027 project.
Aston Martin underwent a technical restructuring in late 2025, which involved the departure of several senior design and aerodynamics personnel. This overhaul followed Newey’s appointment and aimed to reshape the team’s technical structure for the 2026 season and beyond.
