Alonso puts Aston Martin into first Q3 of 2026

Fernando Alonso put Aston Martin into the top 10 of qualifying for the first time in 2026 at the rain-affected São Paulo Grand Prix, qualifying ninth-fastest and gaining a start from eighth after Charles Leclerc received a 10-place grid penalty. The result marked Aston Martin’s first appearance in Q3 this season.

Alonso advanced through the earlier qualifying segments as conditions changed at Interlagos. He switched to intermediate tyres during Q2, a decision he said gave the team a chance to reach the final segment. Alonso said he had been ninth on the full-wet tyres and might otherwise have missed Q3, making the tyre change worth attempting.

The Spaniard said he left the pit lane first in Q3 and briefly thought heavier rain could give him a chance at a top-five result. Instead, the rain held off long enough for drivers to complete timed laps. Alonso said cold tyres compromised his first Q3 attempt, while insufficient battery deployment affected his second, leaving him disappointed that he had not made the most of the session.

Aston Martin’s dry-weather pace had offered little indication of a breakthrough. Alonso said the team struggled in the third practice session, where one...