Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team through the 2027 campaign, extending his contract for at least another year. The 45‑year‑old two‑time world champion, who first entered Formula 1 in 2001 as a 19‑year‑old rookie, will now embark on his 24th season in the sport – a record‑setting tenure that underscores both his longevity and his continued competitiveness. Alonso will continue to share the cockpit with Canadian driver Lance Stroll, whose own contract extension was announced alongside the Spaniard’s.
Stroll, now 27, will be entering his fifth season alongside Alonso and his ninth overall with the Silverstone‑based outfit, a team in which his father Lawrence Stroll serves as executive chairman and co‑owner. The veteran champion, who captured consecutive titles in 2005 and 2006, has amassed 440 Grand Prix starts, 32 victories and a host of podiums.
He will turn 46 in July, yet he insists that his speed and determination remain intact. "Racing is my life, my passion," Alonso said in his statement. "I know I still have the pace to compete at the highest level, and I am committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed." Aston Martin’s 2026 season has been a challenging one. The team entered the new technical regulations with a fresh partnership as the works engine supplier for Honda and a car designed under the direction of the legendary Adrian Newey.
Despite the high expectations, the package has struggled, delivering only three points after 15 races. The results have sparked criticism of the current power‑unit formula, a topic on which Alonso has been vocal. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the team’s infrastructure, leadership and personnel will eventually translate into performance gains. "I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities," he added.
"Their energy creates an atmosphere that inspires me and is what makes our sport special." Lance Stroll echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the progress being made at the Silverstone base. "I've been on this journey since the beginning and I believe we have the resources and the people to become a winning team," the younger Stroll said. "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." Lawrence Stroll reinforced the message from the ownership side, highlighting the value of having two experienced drivers. "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 while 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 was also influenced by the broader driver market.
Over the summer, several potential race‑winning drivers, such as Carlos Sainz of Williams, chose to remain with their current teams, narrowing the pool of available talent. This made the prospect of retaining a driver of Alonso’s caliber all the more attractive for Aston Martin, especially as the team looks to fill the remaining four seats on the grid for the upcoming season.
The only open driver positions are at the newly rebranded Racing Bulls team and at Haas. Racing Bulls have yet to announce their lineup, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad appear to be front‑runners for retention. Haas is expected to keep young British talent Oliver Bearman, while the future of Frenchman Esteban Ocon remains uncertain.
The team is reportedly considering the 2024 Formula 2 champion Rafael Câmara, a Ferrari‑backed prospect, as a possible replacement. Looking ahead, the 2027 season promises fresh challenges and opportunities. The sport will return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017, with the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit.
Fans can follow the action via live coverage on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. In summary, Alonso’s contract extension not only secures a seasoned champion for Aston Martin but also signals the team’s commitment to building a competitive package around a seasoned driver lineup. With both drivers expressing belief in the project and the ownership emphasizing long‑term ambition, the next few years could see Aston Martin transform from a struggling newcomer under the new regulations into a genuine front‑runner in Formula One.