Q&A with F1 driver Fernando Alonso ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix
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Formula One driver Fernando Alonso and Aramco executives unveil the new livery for AMF1's car in the U.S. Grand Prix. Photo: Gregory Castillo/Axios
Axios sat down with two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso ahead of Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix at Austin's Circuit of the Americas.
Why it matters: The driver was in Houston showing off the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team's special one-time livery he'll be driving Sunday.
- The graphic scheme promotes the newly launched Aramco STEM Challenge 2025, which will give students 18-25 the chance to compete for a spot with the racing team's new technology campus where they work on the latest and greatest in racing tech.
Here's what Alonso said about the STEM challenge and the upcoming Austin race.
How important to you is Aramco's new STEM program where they're trying to get more young folks into the STEM pipeline?
"It is important always (to) give the possibility to the younger generation to discover our world in Formula One and provide some challenges and some things for the next generation ... (to) follow their dreams."
What do you think about the newly formulated engines that are going to premiere in the 2026 F1 season?
"I think they are a step forward, for sure. [For] fuels and lubricants to be 100% sustainable is something that, probably eight to 10 years ago, we never thought about that possibility, and now it is a reality."
- "There is definitely some great technology behind that (that) can be useful in road cars within two or three years' time. That's something that's very positive. We go nearly 50% electrical next year as well, so it is a challenge for manufacturers."
- "It's going to be a challenge also driving the car, but it is the way that the world is going, so it's the way into the future."
With COTA coming up, what is your impression of the track and how do you feel about this race?
"It is a great track. It has two very different parts. The first part, very high speed corners in the first sector and then the second part is more about low speed and traction events."
- "So, it's a real challenge for the teams to set up the car for two such different sections on the track. The weather can be a player as well. Sometimes it's extremely hot and humid. Sometimes it's rainy and stormy. COTA always provides some good action and overtaking."
- "I think in the last four or five years I think (Formula One's) really exploding in the U.S. and we have a lot of fans and a lot of activities around the Formula One event as well."
What are you most looking forward to this weekend outside of the race?
"Some good meat, good restaurants, I love the city. Austin is also embracing the race weekend and welcoming all the fans. It's a great weekend for all the community."
Do you have a favorite restaurant or a favorite cuisine that you like to eat whenever you're in Texas?
"I keep changing. I don't have a favorite one, but we would love to discover new ones every year. To be honest, the city is growing and we see newer things. Let's see what we can find this year."
What's next: Axios is hosting an event Thursday evening in Austin exploring the innovation reducing the sport's carbon footprint.