Karun Chandhok believes it is realistic to envision Fernando Alonso competing for the World Cup in 2026, given Aston Martin’s significant investment in technology and human capital. The arrival of Adrian Newey, along with other key personnel such as Andy Cowell and Enrico Cardile, has sparked optimism among some familiar faces in the paddock and television broadcasts, including the Indian pilot.
It is essential to note that a major change in regulations is expected in 2026, bringing new opportunities. Chandhok draws a parallel with Newey’s past experience at Red Bull, where the team was initially mid-field but eventually achieved significant success after a regulatory change in 2009. Newey had been working on the 2009 project since 2007 and 2008, focusing on building the structure for the upcoming season. Although they were surprised by Brawn’s double diffuser innovation, Red Bull had the best car in the second half of the season and went on to win four titles from 2010 to 2013.
Chandhok suggests that a similar approach could be applied to Aston Martin’s current situation, where they can use 2025 to build their structure and grow as a team, potentially leading to a rapid change in 2026 with the new regulations. The Indian pilot, who is three years younger than Alonso, expresses his enthusiasm about the possibility of seeing a 44 or 45-year-old Fernando Alonso driving an Adrian Newey-designed car, calling it a great story. Some people believe this scenario is possible, and Alonso’s continued presence in F1 may be due to his own belief in this potential outcome.