Aston Martin perceives a glimmer of hope ahead - Alonso

      "We need to wait four or five races to observe it."

      Fernando Alonso believes that Aston Martin’s poor start to the 2026 season doesn’t imply that the entire year is already a lost cause. The Spaniard secured his - and the Honda-powered team’s - first point of the year in Monaco, although he candidly acknowledged that it was more due to the surrounding turmoil than actual speed. "We reached the points, so I’m pleased for the team," Alonso remarked. "We were waiting for opportunities in front of us, and they occurred, a penalty here, a penalty there."

      Aston Martin continues to sit at the back of the grid following a challenging beginning to the new Honda era, grappling with issues including engine performance, gearbox troubles, and aerodynamic deficiencies. "In Australia and Bahrain, the issue was the engine," Alonso pointed out. "In Miami and Monaco, it was the gearbox. And in Suzuka, the front aerodynamics."

      Despite this, the 44-year-old seems more hopeful than he has been in a long time. "The season isn’t finished yet," Alonso told DAZN. "A new season could commence for us in the second half." "We believe in the work we’re doing, and although the start has certainly been difficult across various areas, not just the engine, it’s all aspects of the project. But we’re optimistic about the latter half of the year."

      Alonso suggests that significant improvements are still a bit away. "We need to wait four or five races to see that," he stated. Nonetheless, he is confident that Aston Martin’s ambitious development strategy - spearheaded by Adrian Newey and currently underway behind the scenes - will eventually yield results. "I have full confidence in the team because we believe the car will evolve," Alonso mentioned. "When Adrian Newey is involved, he’s very thorough. We have the best working with us."

      Newey, who returned to the paddock in Monaco for the first time since Australia, confirmed that Aston Martin is aiming for a significant upgrade package. "We’ve been developing the upgrade, which we should have ready before the summer break," he noted. Alonso is convinced that Aston Martin’s current position at the back of the pack is making the situation appear worse than it is. "If we can place ourselves in the 12th to 15th range with the upgrades, we would be in positions where points are more achievable," he explained.

      For the time being, the double world champion acknowledges that Aston Martin remains in what he described as an "anonymous situation." "I feel strong and I'm driving well," Alonso reflected. "It's unfortunate that we're in an anonymous situation, in last place."