Fernando Alonso admits it’s ‘optimistic’ to think he will finish in China amid Aston Martin crisis

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Fernando Alonso retired from the 2026 season opener in Melbourne, and with Aston Martin’s severe problems, more DNFs look likely.

The Australian Grand Prix was tipped to be an outright disaster for Aston Martin, as rumours emerged that they would not be able to complete a full race distance. Team principal Adrian Newey confirmed this on Thursday, and it became a reality on Sunday.

Qualifying at the back of the grid, Alonso and Lance Stroll both retired from the Australian GP. The former pulled into the garage in the early stages, before returning to the track 10 laps down and later retiring for good.

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Aston Martin have serious vibration issues with the AMR26, which is said to be a driver safety concern. Honda’s engines look desperately underwhelming as they are miles off the pace of the other manufacturers.

Alonso says Aston Martin would be in the top 10 without Honda’s woes, but the reality is that they are currently stuck at the back of the grid, with no sign of that improving anytime soon.

Fernando Alonso says finishing the Chinese Grand Prix is ‘optimistic’

Alonso is trying to take the positives from the Australian GP. After all, he did complete more laps than he had envisioned and he was running as high as 10th off the start.

However, Aston Martin’s problems are not a quick fix as they face more weekends at the back of the grid. Stroll needed an exemption from the FIA to compete in Australia, while Aston Martin could skip more races in the future if their problems are not resolved.

Should F1 stop Aston Martin from racing after Adrian Newey revealed Fernando Alonso’s ‘nerve damage’ fears?

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With the Chinese Grand Prix a week away, there will be doubts as to whether the Silverstone outfit will be able to complete the race. When asked the question after the race in Melbourne via Sky Sports F1 (08/03, 6:46 am), Alonso admits it might not be possible.

“I think that will be optimistic, but I think we can try at least,” he said. “Obviously, we are still short on parts into China, it’s only next week.

“But for Bahrain, apparently there will be more batteries and more stock, so China, we can take more risks on Sunday.”