Newey addresses Alonso's Aston Martin future after upgrade remark was dismissed

Aston Martin are hoping to move up the field this weekend after bringing in their B-spec AMR26 to the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Alonso finding reason for optimism after Friday's free practice sessions.

Newey previously said on Aston Martin Undercut that if the upgrade performs he hopes Alonso will stay in F1 with the team next season. Now speaking on Friday in Budapest, he has reiterated his hopes that Alonso will stay with the team.

He said during Friday's press conference: "Obviously, Fernando is an amazing driver. He brings huge amounts to the team, both in his feedback and his ability. So, for us, of course it’s important. I’m pretty confident that Fernando is enjoying his time with us and that we will continue with our relationship."

Speaking to the media earlier this month at the British Grand Prix weekend, Alonso rejected Newey's claims that the upgrade package will influence his F1 future.

He said: "If the car is good or bad, there are other factors that I need to think about. Maybe the car is super good and still (I have) feelings that the sport is going in the wrong direction."

However, this weekend, he said that Aston's upgrade package felt good and is a step in the right direction.