Fernando Alonso reflected on the days when he was fighting rival Formula 1 drivers who had Adrian Newey-designed cars, claiming he had to raise his game to compete.
Newey is the most decorated F1 designer in the history of the sport, his creations amassing F1 Championship Titles (Drivers and Constructors), but for now, Alonso doesn't have to worry about competing with the Briton, as he will soon enjoy driving one of his creations.
Aston Martin announced Newey will become a shareholder and Managing Technical Partner in a press conference at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone.
Attending the conference, Alonso spoke of Newey's arrival while also looking back on the days the latter was a rival.
"I would say he was an inspiration," Alonso said. "I think, thanks to Adrian and his talent and cars, we all got better as drivers, as engineers, as teams. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him, to be able to compete.
"I think [it’s] an incredible day for the team. Lawrence’s vision is taking shape with this [new] building, with Adrian, with [future engine partner] Honda, with [strategic fuel partner] Aramco, with a new wind tunnel… Definitely the team of the future, I would say.
"For me, it’s going to be an incredible opportunity, professionally, to work with Adrian and to keep wearing this green colour, which I’m very proud to be part of.
"I was talking with Lance a few weeks ago [about] the incredible opportunity we have to witness and to work with Lawrence and with everyone in Aston Martin, which we are definitely learning a lot of things [from], on track and off track as well, and it’s part of our growth," the double F1 Champion explained.
Alonso's teammate and son of Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll, Lance, also weighed in, he added: "It’s a huge day.
"I think it’s really the most exciting day in this team’s history. Adrian’s won more championships than anyone in the paddock, and now he’s wearing green.
"You know, 2026 is not far away, a completely new set of regulations, a lot of opportunity, and we’re really constructing an incredible team with so many talents that are already here.
"Now Adrian’s coming onboard, so it’s really exciting!" the Canadian concluded.
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