Alonso's surprise prediction: Williams to rise in 2026 F1 shake-up
Fernando Alonso has offered an intriguing view on 2026, not only on his own Aston Martin team's prospects but also on the potential of Williams.
Formula 1 is a year away from its next seismic shift in regulations, but teams across the grid are already gearing up for a potential reset in the sport's competitive order.
And Alonso, one of the sport’s most experienced and insightful drivers, has boldly predicted that Williams, a team historically steeped in success but struggling in recent years, could emerge as “a force to be reckoned with” in twelve months.
Aston Martin’s Ambitions and the Adrian Newey Effect
Alonso’s optimism for Aston Martin is rooted largely in the arrival of design genius Adrian Newey, who is set to join the team next March.
Coupled with Team Silverstone’s exclusive engine partnership with Honda, the team is investing heavily to challenge the established powerhouses of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren.
“In 2026, of course, we get new regulations and Adrian Newey joins our project from April [on March 3 actually] this year,” Alonso told DAZN.
“So we should actually be excited for a good year, where we might even win a World Championship. Those are big words, but expectations are high.”
Alonso’s confidence is grounded not only in the technical expertise that Newey brings but also in the team’s newly renovated headquarters and its growing resources.
“I also know they will be, because we are in the preseason of 2026 and the presentation of that car is also getting closer and closer.
“New regulations, Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso… I already know what questions you are going to ask me! ‘Can we dream of a championship?’
“I would ask that question as an outsider too, if I saw Newey move to another team.”
Williams: A Dark Horse in the Making?
While much of the preseason hype has focused on Aston Martin’s ambitious plans, Alonso was quick to turn the spotlight on Williams.
The Grove-based team has been undergoing a major restructuring since the arrival of James Vowles as team principal in 2023.
Though still rebuilding, Williams has shown signs of progress, with a revamped driver line-up featuring Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz from 2025.
“If I were a journalist, or watching Formula 1 at home in front of the tube, I would mostly see Williams as a team to be reckoned with,” Alonso said.
“Then it’s quite normal that Aston Martin is seen that way too. But we are all incredibly excited!”
Vowles’ Vision: A Long-Term Plan for Williams
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Williams’ rebuild, Vowles has remained measured in his projections. He emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation rather than rushing for short-term success.
“I think if you ask me to commit to a date, I would have said more ‘28, but I think the point is we should be on the right journey to get towards there as well,” Vowles explained, quoted by Motorsport Week.
“There’s quite a bit of investment, senior management and other elements, that are kicking in for ’26 and ‘27. It takes time in F1.”
Vowles acknowledged the potential for early breakthroughs but stressed the importance of sustainable performance:
“We can shortcut some bits and I’m sure we can have some faster performance [coming] to the table, but you won’t have the foundations in place, and it will collapse at some point,” he added.
“Getting it right is the real key behind being successful in F1, not for one year but for many, many years in front.
“[So], ‘28 I’d be a lot more confident about looking you in the eyes and saying, ‘Yes.’”
While Aston Martin dreams of championship glory with Newey’s expertise and Alonso’s skill, Williams’ methodical approach under Vowles could see them emerge as a competitive force in the coming years.
For now, Alonso’s words serve as both a prediction and a reminder: in the ever-evolving world of Formula 1, no team should be underestimated.
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