Alonso Confident Amid Aston Martin's Early Season Struggles: 'I'm the Best'

Fernando Alonso has been unable to fight at the sharp end of the 2026 grid due to Aston Martin and Honda's early-season reliability and performance issues. But the two-time champion insists his own form has not dipped, measuring his ability outside F1 to confirm his speed remains intact.

Why it matters:

After a promising 2023, Aston Martin's slide has been swift. With new regulations, the team and Honda have struggled to deliver a competitive package. Alonso's confidence suggests that should the car improve, he remains a potent threat at 44.

The Details:

• Before the Canadian GP, Alonso was asked how a driver gauges progress when the car is uncompetitive: "I'm the best. I don't need to prove anything."
• He finds reassurance elsewhere: "If I go to a go-kart track and I'm not the fastest, then I will be worried... I'm still the fastest."
• Team boss Mike Krack stressed protecting drivers from repetitive questions: "They accumulate frustration being at the back of the field."
• Major upgrades to the AMR26 will not arrive until after the summer, so the team must "hang on there" through a dense European schedule.

What's Next:

Aston Martin focus on damage limitation in upcoming races. A significant upgrade is expected around mid-season. Until then, Alonso will rely on his own conviction and outside competition to stay sharp. If the car improves, his self-belief suggests he will be ready.