Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team through the 2027 season, extending his contract for at least another year. The 45‑year‑old Spanish driver, a two‑time world champion from the 2005‑2006 seasons, will continue to line up beside his teammate Lance Stroll, whose own deal with the Silverstone‑based outfit has also been renewed. This extension means Alonso will embark on his 24th campaign in the sport, a record‑breaking tenure that began when he debuted as a 19‑year‑old in 2001.
Over the course of 440 Grand Prix starts he has amassed 32 victories and remains a formidable presence on the grid even as he approaches his 46th birthday in July. His longevity is a testament to his skill, fitness, and relentless drive to compete at the highest level. Aston Martin’s 2026 season has been a challenging one. The team entered a new technical era with the introduction of fresh aerodynamic regulations and a partnership with Honda as its official engine supplier.
Despite the expertise of legendary designer Adrian Newey, the car has struggled to find pace, managing only three points from the first fifteen races. The performance shortfall has sparked criticism of the current power‑unit formula, a topic on which Alonso has been vocal.
Nevertheless, the veteran driver has expressed confidence in the project’s direction. "I’m very happy to sign a new contract with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team," Alonso said in a statement. "I took my time to make this decision, but racing is my life, my passion, and I know I still have the speed and determination to compete at the highest level.
I’m committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed." He went on to praise the organisation’s leadership, staff, and facilities, noting that the atmosphere at the team’s Silverstone base fuels his enthusiasm. "I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities.
I look forward to making more memories on the race track in front of the passionate fans. Their energy creates an atmosphere that inspires me and is what makes our sport special," he added.
Lance Stroll, now 27, also confirmed his intention to stay with Aston Martin for a fifth consecutive season, marking his ninth year with the team overall. "I’m very happy to continue with Aston Martin Aramco for the long term," Stroll said.
"I’ve been on this journey since the beginning and I believe we have the resources and the people to become a winning team. There is so much hard work going on at Silverstone with real progress being made, and the determination I see in every department is a huge motivation for me." Team principal Lawrence Stroll, who also serves as executive chairman and co‑owner, reiterated the commitment to building a championship‑winning operation.
"Lance and Fernando have been a crucial part of our journey and we are very pleased to confirm that they will continue with us into the next chapter for the team," he remarked. "Having two drivers with their level of experience, commitment and knowledge provides tremendous value to the whole organisation. We are here to win, and whilst our short‑term focus remains on improving performance, I believe we have the world‑class talent we need to achieve our long‑term objectives." Alonso’s decision to stay came at a time when other high‑profile drivers were finalising their own futures. For example, Carlos Sainz of Williams chose to remain with his current team, reducing speculation about a possible move to Aston Martin.
As a result, the Aston Martin lineup is now set, leaving only four seats across the grid still uncertain for the upcoming season – those belonging to Racing Bulls and Haas. Racing Bulls have yet to announce their driver pairings, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad appear to be the frontrunners for retention. Haas is expected to keep young talent Oliver Bearman, while the future of Esteban Ocon is still in flux. The Frenchman could be replaced by the 2023‑24 Formula 2 champion Rafael Câmara, who enjoys backing from Ferrari and is widely regarded as a promising candidate.
Beyond the driver market, the sport itself is gearing up for a notable calendar change. Formula 1 will return to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the first time since 2017, hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix – a misprint in the original announcement that actually refers to the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available through NOW without a long‑term contract. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s contract extension with Aston Martin secures his place in the sport for at least another year, marking a historic 24th season that underscores his enduring talent and passion. Together with Lance Stroll and the backing of the Stroll family, the team aims to translate its technical investments and organisational strengths into on‑track success, while the broader F1 landscape continues to evolve with driver movements and new race venues.