New wind tunnel plus Newey will be “game-changer” for Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s new wind tunnel will amplify the benefit of signing star designer Adrian Newey.

Aston Martin announced on Tuesday that Red Bull’s chief technical officer will join them next year in time to develop their first car for Formula 1’s next set of technical regulations.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll has invested heavily in their facilities. Aston Martin moved into their new factory last year, where work on their state-of-the-art wind tunnel is underway.

Aston Martin currently rent time in Mercedes’ wind tunnel. Alonso said having their own facilities means the team will be able to make the most of Newey’s design expertise.

“We have quite good things coming in the next few months in the team, especially the wind tunnel. I would say that is a game-changer for us.

“We are using now Mercedes’ wind tunnel and obviously limited on time, limited when in the week they allow us to go there and things. So I think to have our own wind tunnel and use it wisely during the week, in the moments that are needed, I think that will be a huge step forward.”

Aston Martin made a strong start to last season with a car which was designed in their old factory. Alonso has high expectations for what they can achieve with their new facilities.

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“We cannot forget Aston Martin, two years ago, still in a very small building from Racing Point, Force India. Now we double the personnel and we have this new facility.

“So step by step, we have all [we need] to have that first race win and hopefully fighting for championships in the future. I’m aware that this takes time and I don’t have that time in a way. But I’m relaxed and I’m enjoying the journey.”

Alonso will turn 45 during 2026, the last year of his current contract to drive for Aston Martin. However he has not ruled out continuing in F1 beyond then.

“I will be driving in 2026,” he said. “After ’26 I will be driving – in Formula 1 or in other series.

“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.”