Frentzen backs Alonso for 2026 title with Aston Martin
Heinz-Harald Frentzen predicts Fernando Alonso will win the 2026 championship, banking on Aston Martin's Newey-designed car and their strategic focus on the new regulations.
Former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen has made a bold prediction, naming Fernando Alonso as his favorite to clinch the 2026 World Championship. This unexpected vote of confidence comes despite the Spaniard turning 45 that year, relying heavily on Aston Martin's aggressive long-term strategy and the impending arrival of design legend Adrian Newey.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents a massive reset for the grid with new engine and aerodynamic regulations, and Aston Martin is the only team openly sacrificing its 2025 campaign to prepare. Frentzen's endorsement underscores the paddock's belief that Newey's genius, paired with Alonso's enduring skill, could create the perfect storm to dethrone the current top teams.
The details:
- The Pick: When asked by ex-teammate Damon Hill on social media who would win the title, Frentzen immediately pointed to the two-time champion.
- The Strategy: Aston Martin has effectively written off the 2025 season to focus entirely on the AMR26, ensuring they hit the ground running when the new rules take effect.
- The Newey Factor: The 2026 car marks the first project led by Adrian Newey at Silverstone, with the launch scheduled for February 9.
- Driver Dedication: Alonso’s commitment to his team is well-documented. A revealing anecdote from his McLaren days shows he once attempted to give each mechanic €1,000 as a bonus, only for management to demand the money back to avoid setting a precedent.
Looking Ahead:
The upcoming launch of the AMR26 will be the first true indicator of whether this ambitious gamble will succeed. If Newey's design delivers the expected performance leap, Alonso could defy his age to secure a historic third title.