Fernando Alonso has declared Lawrence Stroll and Adrian Newey to be "two of the most determined and competitive" people he has ever met, ahead of the new F1 season getting underway.
The latter will lead Aston Martin, which is owned by the former, into the 2026 campaign as the newly appointed team principal of the Silverstone-based squad after a restructuring of its leadership team late last year.
The 67-year-old has already won 14 drivers' titles and 12 constructors' championships during his time in F1, and his arrival at Aston Martin from Red Bull was one of the most highly-anticipated moves in recent memory, given the success he achieved with the energy drinks-backed team.
Initially brought to Aston Martin as managing technical partner, Newey's expanded role will see him at the helm alongside Stroll, who has invested heavily in the team since purchasing it in 2018 and the adoption of its current guise in 2021.
Therefore, expectations heading into the new F1 regulations cycle, which will see all-new power units and chassis, are high.
As the championship enters a new era, so too has Aston Martin as the works Honda entry. The AMR26 was the most radical-looking machine at the closed-doors shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya late last month, but the car only completed 65 laps — the least of the 10 teams that made it out to Spain.
Nonetheless, Alonso was quick to point out the hard work put into the new car and the "hunger" he sees throughout the team, which he feels comes from the top.
"This is such an exciting new chapter for Aston Martin Aramco as we adapt to the new rules, new power units, and new ideas," the two-time F1 drivers' champion said upon the AMR26's livery being unveiled.
"With Lawrence and Adrian, we have two of the most determined and competitive people I have ever met leading the team.
"The past few years were not easy, but we’ve learned a lot, and that experience always makes you stronger. Everybody in this team shares the same hunger to be competitive, and I have seen how much effort is happening behind the scenes to give us a car we can develop across the season.
"I’m looking forward to getting on track and developing the car as we head to Bahrain this week. I can’t wait to push hard and help make Aston Martin Aramco stronger and more competitive."
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