Fernando Alonso expressed deep frustration with Aston Martin's poor performance in Formula One after qualifying last for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 14, 2026. He said he was "exhausted" from repeatedly having to explain the team's struggles, noting the car and engine offered little hope for improvement so far this season [1, 2].
Alonso, 44, was outqualified by teammate Lance Stroll for the first time in 42 races. Stroll qualified 21st, over four seconds off pole-sitter George Russell's benchmark time, highlighting Aston Martin's large deficit [1, 2].
"We knew we have the worst car and the worst engine and we've been very clear in every race so far that we have to work," Alonso said. He added: "We repeat the same thing and it's exhausting. We're last, we know it, and we have no problem admitting it" [1, 2].
Alonso detailed a range of technical issues affecting the team. "We have the worst engine, very poor energy deployment, gearbox problems, and aerodynamic problems," he said. The team began a new partnership with Honda this year but builds its own gearbox under the oversight of renowned designer Adrian Newey. Mechanical issues and design flaws have restricted race completion and forced drivers to limit laps due to the risk of nerve damage from steering wheel vibrations [1, 2].
Alonso's future with Aston Martin remains uncertain beyond 2026, as the results have been disappointing for both driver and team [1, 2].
Looking ahead, the Spanish Grand Prix will move away from the Barcelona circuit for the next three years. Starting in September 2026, the race will be held at a new circuit in Madrid. The Barcelona venue has been dropped from the Formula One calendar until at least 2028 [1, 2].