Fernando Alonso admits that the clock may be against him in his quest for a third elusive world championship title.
The Spanish driver was so determined to see Adrian Newey join Aston Martin that he not only reached out personally to the F1 design legend but also reportedly offered part of his salary to sweeten the deal and boost team owner Lawrence Stroll's proposal.
However, with Newey set to arrive at the Silverstone-based team in March 2025, Alonso acknowledges that the Briton's impact on the next Aston Martin car will be minimal.
"I would like to say yes, but honestly, I don't think so," Alonso remarked.
"I don't think that it's really worth spending too much on the '25 campaign, unless you are fighting for the championship. So I think the '26 project should be the first car that he has an influence."
According to Jefferson Slack, Aston Martin's commercial and marketing director, the real championship fight will likely come even later than that.
"Newey will certainly be a big help for 2026 to be fighting for wins, and I think in 2027 we will be fighting for world championships," Slack told Diario Sport.
Alonso, currently 43 years old, will be turning 46 during the 2027 season.
"Step by step," Alonso said, "we have all we need to have that first race win and hopefully fighting for championships in the future. But I'm aware that this takes time and I don't have that time in a way."
Alonso's contract with Aston Martin is a long-term deal, though he has only committed to driving until the end of 2026.
"After 2026, I will be driving in Formula 1 or in other series," he confirmed. "If I'm not driving in Formula 1, I will be in the Aston Martin team, somehow. So I will enjoy that bright future, hopefully."
