Rubens Barrichello explains why he’s convinced Fernando Alonso will ‘return’ to his best with Aston Martin in 2026

Fernando Alonso has suffered his worst start to a Formula 1 season since his McLaren days in 2025. He has failed to score a point after six races.

The two-time champion is one of four drivers to be pointless in 2025; the other three being F1 rookies in Jack Doohan, Liam Lawson and the Spaniard’s protege Gabriel Bortoleto.

Alonso was not even classified in the championship until the Japanese GP, having retired from the opening two races. The 43-year-old has finished P11 twice as he still waits to get off the mark this season.

Alonso knew it would be impossible at Aston Martin to score points at every event, but he would not have anticipated it to be this bad. Teammate Lance Stroll has scored all 14 of the team’s points, but they came in fortuitous circumstances.

Joining Aston Martin in 2023, Alonso had a brilliant start to life at the Silverstone squad, scoring eight podiums in his first season. But the team have been falling backwards since then, with the Spaniard and Stroll having arguably the slowest car at the Miami GP.

Martin Brundle is saddened by how slow Aston Martin are in 2025, with there being a lot of hype around the team for the future. But Rubens Barrichello is convinced Alonso will ‘return’ to his best next season.

Rubens Barrichello says Fernando Alonso will go ‘full throttle’ in races with Aston Martin in 2026

Aston Martin are focusing their attention on the 2026 F1 regulations. Owner Lawrence Stroll has made serious investments behind the scenes to build the team towards being a title contender, with Adrian Newey spearheading the operation with Honda engines.

Their current form in 2025 is a concern, but expectations are high for next season, especially for Alonso. Speaking on the After Lap Podcast, Barrichello is ‘very convinced’ that the two-time champion can get back to his best.

The Brazilian says a driver’s hands get ‘lighter’ with experience and he thinks Alonso will go ‘full throttle’ during races next season. Asked whether the 43-year-old will ‘return’ in 2026, Barrichello replied: “Yes, definitely. I’m convinced, definitely.

“I’m also very convinced because the truth is that with age and more experience, your hands are lighter, so you use much less force to get to where you want to go without the rain.

“It could be a Friday practice that doesn’t mean anything. Well, he takes a little less risk, maybe, but in the end, going full throttle on Sunday.

“For me, Fernando surely has the talent to, if the car gives him the advantage, he’ll surely return.”

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Is Fernando Alonso considering his future at Aston Martin after his torrid 2025 start?

With the likes of Newey and Honda on board, Aston Martin have the tools they need to succeed next year. Former driver Sebastian Vettel knows Newey’s strengths very well from his time at Red Bull, which will be music to Alonso’s ears.

However, the Spaniard has reiterated that the team must ‘get better’ after they were last on the track in Miami. Their woeful start to 2025 has prompted rumours that Alonso’s future with the team may not be as secure as some may think.

Aston Martin are tabling an offer for Max Verstappen as they try to attract the four-time champion to join their ranks. The Silverstone squad are one of the favourites to sign the Dutchman if he leaves Red Bull, putting either Alonso or Stroll at risk of losing their seats.

Alonso will ‘hang on’ until 2026 to see if Aston Martin can find performance under the new regulations. If the team pull off the signing of the reigning world champion, Alonso says Verstappen will not be his teammate, hinting at a possible retirement before the move happens.