Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is convinced he is still "the best" in Formula 1 despite Aston Martin's slow start to the 2026 season.
Aston Martin and engine partner Honda have struggled to adapt to F1's new regulations this year, with Alonso failing to finish the opening two races and yet to make it out of the first session of qualifying.
The 44-year-old has made no secret of the challenge his team faces, but recently said he intends to remain in F1 next year in the hope Aston Martin becomes more competitive.
Asked how he measures his own performance this year when his car is so far off the pace of the top teams on the grid, he said: "I don't measure anything, I'm the best.
"I don't need to prove anything, I don't need to feel anything to believe that I'm at the right level."
Alonso, who made his F1 debut in 2001 with Minardi and won his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, last won a grand prix in 2013 while racing for Ferrari.
Since then, he has driven for McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin in F1, while also winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Toyota and taking part in two Indianapolis 500s.
Asked what keeps him motivated when results are so hard to come by, Alonso said: "Waiting for the opportunity, and meanwhile trying to help the team, so we don't lose the competitive edge that you need to have in Formula 1.
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"Driving different categories, different cars, testing yourself in different series and different cars, and feel yourself competitive.
"If I go to a go-kart track and I'm not the fastest, then I will be worried. If I go to a GT car and I'm not the fastest, I will be worried, and these kind of things.
"Meanwhile I'm doing that, I'm still the fastest, so when I come to the Formula 1 weekend, it's just a matter of time that I have a better car."
