Aston Martin is showing signs of improvement that are raising expectations. And Alonso knows it. He is happier because he knows that, although they are still far from where they want to be, they are now in a position that allows them to battle in a midfield that is more compressed than ever.
Aston Martin is looking for the perfect teammate for Alonso to win
It will be a good challenge for them to face in order to finish as high up as possible this year, especially with a view to 2026. And they know that with Lance Stroll. Because yes, Aston Martin has finally managed to be consistent with the other teams fighting for points, and they are already catching up with them and, in many cases, overtaking them.
Let’s remember that just four races ago, in Miami in April, Alonso and Stroll finished last in the race, with an AMR25 that was far behind the rest. So much so that they were more than 20 seconds behind the next car. Therefore, there is a lot of confidence at Silverstone that there will be improvements for next season, in which the British team really plans to fight for the top spots on the grid.
Aston Martin, Alonso, and Lawrence Stroll are going after George Russell
With all this in mind, it is clear that in addition to Fernando Alonso, who has a contract until the end of the 2026 season with an option to renew for longer if the project goes well, Aston Martin is thinking about a second driver who can deliver results. Not so much a second driver, but rather a teammate who can provide the Asturian with what he needs so that, when the moment of truth arrives, they are truly in a position to fight for the championship.
And this is where George Russell comes in. According to reports, and as GRADA3 has also learned, the name of the Mercedes driver has been on the table in Barcelona in an attempt to bring him into the structure led by Lawrence Stroll. And it wasn’t mere speculation, but above all knowing that the Briton has not yet accepted the renewal offer from his current team. He may even have put it on hold to get a better idea of what he can find on the market. That’s where Aston Martin comes in.
Stroll has talent and speed, but…
Because, yes, Stroll is not one to offer many guarantees. For many within the team, he is a very valid driver capable of delivering great performances. Without going any further, in Monaco he was one of the few (if not the only one) to make a stratospheric overtaking maneuver on the outside after exiting the tunnel at Bortoleto. In the rain, he is a driver who rises to the occasion. But…
He is not the driver they believe they need when the car is at full capacity to fight for important things. Since his arrival in 2017 with Williams, he has been the subject of much debate, as some consider him not to be an exceptional driver, especially when compared to more established drivers. However, others argue that Stroll has talent and speed, proving this with his pole position in Turkey in 2020 and three podium finishes in Formula 1, one in his debut year with Williams in 2017 and two with Racing Point, now Aston Martin.
Regardless of the gossip, the truth is that Lance Stroll’s sporting results are fairly modest and justify doubts about his true worth. But the criticism often goes beyond his performance, as many doubt that he is really willing to give his all to be the best Formula 1 driver possible. Aston Martin, on the other hand, claims that Lance Stroll is extremely professional and fully committed to his work.
Russell is the most consistent driver in F1
In any case, even though Lance is the son of the team owner, for whom Lawrence also became the owner of the Racing Point structure between 2018 and 2020, which is now the Silverstone team, his father’s dream seems unlikely to come true.
Because, like any parent, there is no greater joy than giving everything to help your child achieve their dreams through hard work. But ‘Stroll senior’ believes that it is time, at least for now, to give up on the dream of ‘Stroll junior’ becoming world champion. Everything points to him remaining with the team as a reserve driver, similar to the position currently held by Drugovich. And that’s why he has asked for an assessment of the best driver: Lawrence Stroll wants George Russell to accompany Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin.
The Englishman has responded with great performances since his first year and can boast of being the most consistent driver on the grid: in this year’s nine races, he has finished in the top five seven times, except for Monaco (11th) and Imola (7th). It is logical that Aston Martin is already negotiating to try to get him out of the German team and have him accompany Alonso from 2026.
The shadow of Verstappen would bring Russell closer to Alonso as his teammate
In recent weeks, there has been talk in England that George would be a very good option for the British team, also because Mercedes has been sounding out Verstappen on numerous occasions, either for 2026 or 2027, a strategy similar to what happened with Hamilton and Ferrari. Red Bull’s lack of performance makes one think that the Dutchman may be looking for refuge in another car, and Mercedes has always been willing to take him on, as has Aston, of course. But Russell does not want him by his side, and their relationship is not the best either…
Something totally different from what is happening with Fernando Alonso. The young Englishman has a close relationship with the Spaniard. So much so that Fernando has never hesitated to name him one of the best drivers of the moment whenever he has had the chance. The two spend a lot of time together in Monaco and even celebrated New Year’s Eve 2024 together at the same party.
Their friendship goes beyond the purely sporting and extends to the most personal level. Russell sees Alonso as a role model, as Verstappen recently said. The 43-year-old Aston Martin driver has made a huge impression on young people. The respect and admiration they have for him is evident with every Grand Prix that passes. The Asturian, however, has already given the green light to magnate Stroll to move forward with his signing. A high-level tandem to put the final piece in place of a winning plan.