Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team through the end of the 2027 season, extending his stay with the British outfit for at least another year. The 45‑year‑old two‑time world champion, who first entered the sport as a 19‑year‑old rookie in 2001, will line up beside Canadian teammate Lance Stroll for what will be his 24th campaign in Grand Prix racing – a record‑breaking tenure that began more than two decades ago. Alonso’s new deal means he will add to an already impressive résumé that includes 440 Grand Prix starts, 32 victories and two world titles earned in 2005 and 2006.
He will turn 46 in July, yet he insists his passion for speed and his belief in his own pace remain as strong as ever. "Racing is my life, my passion," the Spaniard said in a statement. "I know I still have the speed and determination to compete at the highest level, and I am committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed." The announcement comes after a turbulent first year for Aston Martin under the brand‑new technical regulations that took effect in 2026.
The team, now powered by Honda as its official works engine supplier and featuring a chassis designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, has struggled to find competitiveness, accumulating just three points from the first fifteen races of the season. Despite the disappointing results, both Alonso and Stroll have expressed confidence that the project is heading in the right direction. Lance Stroll, who will also be under contract for a fifth consecutive season with Aston Martin and his ninth overall with the Silverstone‑based operation, echoed his teammate’s optimism. "I’m very happy to continue with Aston Martin Aramco for the long term," the 27‑year‑old said.
"We have the resources, the people and the determination to become a winning team. The hard work at Silverstone is paying off, and the motivation I see in every department fuels my own drive." Team principal Lawrence Stroll, who serves as executive chairman and co‑owner, underscored the strategic importance of retaining both drivers.
"Lance and Fernando bring a level of experience, commitment and knowledge that is invaluable to the whole organisation," he remarked. "Our short‑term focus is on improving performance, but we have the world‑class talent needed to achieve our long‑term objective of winning races and ultimately championships." Alonso’s decision to stay was not a foregone conclusion. Over the summer, several other high‑profile drivers who could have been realistic alternatives – such as Carlos Sainz of Williams – chose to remain with their current teams, narrowing the pool of available talent. The certainty of an unchanged Aston Martin line‑up leaves only four driver seats on the grid still uncertain for the 2028 season: those at the newly rebranded Racing Bulls and at Haas.
Racing Bulls have yet to announce their driver roster, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are widely tipped to stay. Haas, on the other hand, appears set to keep young Briton Oliver Bearman, while the future of Frenchman Esteban Ocon is in doubt. The team is reportedly considering the 2024 Formula 2 champion Rafael Câmara – a Ferrari‑backed prospect – as a possible replacement. Beyond the contractual details, Alonso’s extended stay highlights his broader perspective on Formula 1’s evolving landscape.
He has been an outspoken critic of the current power‑unit regulations, arguing that they limit innovation and increase costs. Nevertheless, he believes that staying with a team that is investing heavily in new technology and infrastructure offers the best chance to influence future developments from within. "I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities," Alonso said. "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." The partnership between Alonso and Aston Martin also reflects a broader trend in the sport: veteran drivers extending their careers while younger talent matures. Alonso’s longevity is a testament to his physical conditioning, mental resilience, and ability to adapt to changing car designs and regulations. His presence provides a valuable benchmark for the team’s engineers, who can use his feedback to refine the Honda‑powered package and extract more performance from Newey’s aerodynamic concepts.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season will continue to be a testing ground for the new technical formula, with teams still learning how to extract maximum efficiency from hybrid power units, ground‑effect aerodynamics and revised tyre constructions. Aston Martin’s modest points haul so far suggests a steep learning curve, but the combination of a seasoned driver lineup, a world‑class engine partner and a design team led by one of the sport’s most respected architects could yield significant gains in the latter half of the campaign.
Fans can expect to see Alonso and Stroll battling for points at the remaining venues, including the historic return of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia – the first time the race has been held there since 2017. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW for those who prefer an online option. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s contract extension cements his status as one of the longest‑serving drivers in Formula 1 history while providing Aston Martin with a clear driver strategy heading into 2027.
The partnership aims to translate the team’s technical investments and organisational ambition into on‑track success, with the hope that the experience and determination of its veteran drivers will help close the performance gap and bring the British marque back to the front of the grid.