P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fernando Alonso has ruled out Aston Martin being in a position to win races on merit in F1 prior to the impending regulation change that is coming to the sport in 2026.
Fernando Alonso has achieved sixth-place finishes in the Constructors’ Championship in his two seasons with Aston, but in 2024, he faced a setback compared to his debut year. While his first season brought eight podiums, Alonso failed to secure a top-three finish in all 24 races of the 2024 season, ending up in ninth place with 70 points, all collected by himself. Aston Martin started 2024 in contention with the top teams but eventually fell back to the midfield despite introducing more updates than their rivals. Alonso recognizes that it will be unrealistic for Aston to aim for victories in the 2025 season due to the limited potential for improvement with the same cars. Looking ahead to 2026, Alonso, now 43, is hopeful that the new regulations and the arrival of Adrian Newey as the head of design will provide him with the opportunity to fight for wins and championships, although the upcoming year remains shrouded in uncertainty for everyone involved. Despite the challenges, Alonso’s competitive drive remains as strong as ever, with the Spaniard emphasizing his relentless pursuit of success, citing his continued frustration at finishing second even in karting, a mindset that has defined his career spanning over two decades.
