Fernando Alonso maintains 'I am the best' despite a decade without F1 victory

Fernando Alonso remains defiantly confident despite Aston Martin's struggles in 2026, insisting the car's technical flaws are the only barrier to his legacy. It would be easy to assume an underperforming team would speed up his retirement date, but he has insisted he is as motivated as ever.

Why it matters:

At 44 years old with a newborn baby at home, questions of what keeps Alonso going are constant. However, he refuses to evaluate himself against others, stating he is the best regardless of the car's performance. This mindset is crucial as the team faces significant technical hurdles. The inability to compete at the top end means Alonso does not need to prove anything to himself, yet the lack of wins highlights the gap between him and the frontrunners. The ADUO grant for Honda is expected to help, but Alonso notes they need more time than others to raise the level.

The Details:

• Car Performance: Not since the 2013 season has Alonso found himself in an F1 car capable of winning races. The AMR26 is currently lacking in downforce, and vibrations caused by the Honda power unit have plagued the car throughout the season. Gearbox troubles are also reported alongside these issues.
• Team Struggles: Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll have yet to score points, placing them in the final two positions in the Drivers' standings.
• Adrian Newey: While the signing of Adrian Newey was expected to bring the team back to the front, the car has struggled with various technical issues.
• Honda Power Unit: The FIA is expected to grant ADUO status to Honda soon, which will allow the Japanese manufacturer additional budget to work on their power unit.
• Alonso's Mindset: He compares his performance to go-kart tracks and GT cars, stating if he is not the fastest there, he would be worried. He insists it is just a matter of time until he has a better car to match his claimed status as the best driver in the world.

What's Next:

Alonso admits bringing the engine up to speed will take time, despite the help from ADUO. He believes investment is needed to raise the level and understand the lack of power and reliability. "We need need to raise the level, and we need to get better, and for that, you need investment, and you need more time than the others." The upcoming season developments will determine if this confidence translates into a podium or a win.