Fernando Alonso says he is content to endure a pointless and frustrating 2025 season if it means Aston Martin gets it right next year.
Since March, former Red Bull design chief Adrian Newey has been focused on leading Aston Martin's 2026 car project. In Monaco, Newey made his first appearance in the paddock in green.
"I've been really focused on the 2026 car," he confirmed. "But yes, I've had lunchtime conversations with the small team that is still working on this year's car, and we'll keep doing that for a few months yet."
Aston Martin began the season near the back of the grid but has made some gains in recent races. Newey confirmed another upgrade package is due "around Silverstone."
Until then, Alonso remains without a single point.
On the Monaco grid, a DAZN reporter asked what finish would satisfy him by the chequered flag.
"Winning in Australia in 2026," he smiled.
The 43-year-old was running in the points on Sunday when he was forced to retire with engine trouble.
"Today wasn't bad luck," he said afterwards. "A meteorite didn't hit the engine. The engine broke because it wasn't in good condition, it wasn't well prepared.
"There are six or seven Mercedes engines on the track and mine broke. But as long as I am performing at 100 percent, the rest will come when it has to."
Alonso said he would be more frustrated if he was underperforming personally.
"If it had been personal mistakes, or if I wasn't performing well or didn't feel comfortable with the car, or if I bumped into someone at the start, I'd be frustrated.
"But I try to train every day, prepare every day as if I were fighting for the world championship, even if I don't have a single point."
He admits he is treating 2025 as preparation.
"To be honest, I'll be happy if everything goes like this all season and I win in Australia next year. For me, it doesn't change anything to finish P8 here or there to have 8 points at the end or 22 or whatever.
"It is next year, with the regulation change, that we really hope to be a contender for the championship. So I'm happy to accumulate all the retirements this year."
