Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell has explained how a "steely" Fernando Alonso is questioning anything which could hamper preparations for F1's major rules reset in 2026.
The Silverstone-based team and new technical chief Adrian Newey have most of its focus on the new chassis and power unit rules coming into force from next season, with the hopes of climbing into race-winning and championship contention.
2025 has been a below par year for Alonso so far, although he banked his first points with a ninth-place finish in Spain in round nine following multiple near-misses, including three 11th places.
Alonso will be starting his 23rd F1 season in 2026, with Cowell explaining how the two-time world champion is as focused as ever.
"Every time I chat to Fernando about this year's car, he has that steely look [as if to ask] 'you are not compromising next year, are you?'," Cowell told media, including RacingNews365.
"He checks the look in my eyes, and I say: 'No, no, it is for next year.' I've mentioned 2027 and 2028, but we are determined to do our absolute best for 2026.
"There are three track tests fetting a completely new car, power unit, transmission, fuel, and lubricants ready for track testing at the end of January, and then two more track tests, the races through the season as well as developing a car for 2027, it is a huge challenge that all 11 teams have.
"Our challenge of going from customer team to works team adds to that, and there is a big transmission, hydraulics, and suspension programme going on, as well as working with Honda to optimise the power unit to go with Adrian's thoughts on the architecture of a 2026 car.
"It is a super exciting time, and it is a nice problem being busy."
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