Aston Martin could give Adrian Newey his weakest-ever driver line-up as new 2027 target emerges

Follow us on Google Discover

A surprise name has been added to Aston Martin’s shortlist of ‘possible candidates’ to replace Fernando Alonso if he opts to move on, and it could see the Silverstone-based outfit give Adrian Newey his weakest-ever driver line-up.

While Alonso’s future as a whole in F1 is currently up for debate inside the paddock, Alpine have emerged as a potential plan B for the Spaniard if he is keen to remain on the grid while also departing from Aston Martin.

Rumours of a possible switch for the ever-ageing two-time world champion first landed in the Barcelona Grand Prix paddock. Alonso wants to bow out of F1 on a high note, and the current state of Aston Martin’s project suggests that won’t happen if he remains there.

How much will Aston Martin’s highly-anticipated upgrades in Hungary reduce their deficit to the top?

Fernando Alonso still expects it to be "difficult" to reach Q2 in Budapest

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Of course, Flavio Briatore’s admiration of Alonso is no secret. The pair won two world titles together with Renault back in the 2000s, so one last dance at the Enstone-based F1 team, who currently have somewhat of a competitive car, could be very attractive for the Spaniard.

However, while Alpine get a wholesome reunion, the situation would likely become even more bleak at Silverstone if Aston Martin decide to sign Esteban Ocon, their latest target to potentially replace Alonso.

• READ MORE: Under-pressure F1 driver described as ‘uncoachable’ by his own engineer

Esteban Ocon is now ‘being touted’ to replace Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin for 2027

A recent report from the Italian edition of Motorsport.com has shed some more light on the unfolding situation in the F1 driver market regarding the midfield teams.

Carlos Sainz has been linked with a drive at Aston Martin in the past, with the Italian outlet noting that the four-time Grand Prix winner’s name has ‘resurfaced with some frequency’ in recent days. Sainz is restless at Williams, and is currently assessing his options.

Does Esteban Ocon deserve a seat on the F1 grid in 2027?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The report also goes on to highlight how Ocon is now a ‘possible candidate’ to take Alonso’s seat over – a very surprising link, indeed, especially considering that the Frenchman looks set to lose his seat at Haas at the end of 2026 due to his poor form.

While Ocon does hold Grand Prix winner status on the F1 grid, he has never really cemented himself as a groundbreaking driver on the grid. With all due respect, a partnership between Lance Stroll and Ocon in Adrian Newey-built machinery should raise questions.

Not only would Aston Martin be fielding one of the weakest line-ups on the grid next year, but they would also be risking it falling into the hands of two drivers that may not be able to get the best out of it on a weekly basis.

• READ MORE: Esteban Ocon says his Haas doubters aren’t watching F1 races properly

The British constructor fell well short of expectations upon the commencement of the current campaign, but the 2027 technical amendments are expected to play into Honda’s hands, meaning that no one would be surprised to see Newey’s creations back on top.

With the wrong driver line-up, however, the best of Aston Martin’s 2027 challenger may never see the light of day. This, in turn, could spell disaster for the future of the F1 team.