“I don’t know what Hamilton is going to contribute”: Fernando Alonso minimizes Lewis Hamilton’s potential influence at Ferrari compared to Adrian Newey | Formula One News

Fernando Alonso has downplayed Lewis Hamilton‘s potential influence at Ferrari, suggesting that Adrian Newey‘s arrival at Aston Martin will have a more significant impact on the Formula 1 landscape. The anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari and Newey’s transition to Aston Martin dominated headlines last year. While Hamilton is already testing the Ferrari SF-25 at Fiorano, Newey is set to join Aston Martin in March, leading their design team as they prepare for the new regulations in 2026.

Fernando Alonso Questions Lewis Hamilton’s Impact at Ferrari Amid Adrian Newey’s Arrival at Aston Martin

In a candid interview with Spanish outlet AS, Alonso made it clear that Newey’s influence at Aston Martin would eclipse Hamilton’s presence at Ferrari. He stated, “Adrian Newey will always have more impact than any driver. The drivers come and go, the 20 who are here try to drive well and we have achieved things until we reach F1. I don’t know what Hamilton is going to contribute or add to Ferrari, surely it will be less than what a designer can contribute.”
Alonso’s viewpoint emphasizes the critical role of car design in Formula 1’s competitive hierarchy. He believes that drivers, despite their skills and achievements, are ultimately limited by the machinery at their disposal. Newey’s reputation as one of the sport’s most innovative designers, known for engineering championship-winning cars, reinforces Alonso’s argument.
Alonso’s remarks also revisit his long-standing rivalry with Hamilton, dating back to their tumultuous time as teammates at McLaren in 2007. Their competitive tension resurfaced at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix when Alonso criticized Hamilton over team radio, questioning his abilities to race outside the front grid positions. This historical context adds weight to Alonso’s skepticism about Hamilton’s potential at Ferrari.
When evaluating Hamilton’s prospects with his new team, Alonso remained measured, saying, “Hamilton has to see how to drive that car, Leclerc has more experience. Lewis also suffered a little with Russell last year so he also has to gain confidence, but we know the quality he has and since he has a good car he will be a sure candidate.” Alonso’s analysis reflects the challenge Hamilton faces in adapting to a new car and competing against teammate Charles Leclerc, who has established himself as Ferrari’s leading driver.
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Alonso’s statements underscore the importance of technical innovation in F1. With Newey’s strategic role at Aston Martin, the team’s future looks promising, while Hamilton faces the challenge of navigating a new environment at Ferrari. As the season unfolds, the impact of Newey’s designs and Hamilton’s adaptability will be closely watched, setting the stage for an exciting competition that extends beyond the racetrack.