Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Formula One team through the 2027 season, extending his already impressive career into a record‑breaking 24th year in the sport. The 45‑year‑old two‑time world champion, who first entered Formula One as a 19‑year‑old rookie in 2001, will continue to line up beside Canadian teammate Lance Stroll, whose own contract extension was announced at the same time.
Alonso’s résumé is one of the most storied in modern motorsport. He captured back‑to‑back world titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, has stood on the podium more than 100 times, and has amassed 32 Grand Prix victories out of 440 starts.
He will turn 46 in July, yet he insists his hunger for competition remains undiminished. In his own words, he feels "fast enough" and is "committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed." This sentiment underscores his belief that, despite the challenges Aston Martin has faced, the partnership still offers a platform for further achievement. The 2026 season has proved to be a testing period for Aston Martin. The team entered the new technical regulations with a brand‑new power unit supplied by Honda, marking the first year of a works partnership between the two manufacturers.
Coupled with a chassis designed under the guidance of legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey, expectations were high. However, the results have been modest: only three points have been scored across fifteen races, leaving the outfit near the back of the grid.
Critics have pointed to the new engine formula as a contributing factor, and Alonso himself has voiced concerns about the current regulations, describing them as restrictive for engine development. Despite the on‑track struggles, Alonso’s decision to stay appears rooted in a broader view of the team’s potential. He highlighted the strength of the organization’s leadership, the quality of its personnel, and the state‑of‑the‑art facilities at the Silverstone base. "I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities," he said.
He also praised the passion of the fan base, noting that the energy generated by supporters creates an inspiring atmosphere that distinguishes Formula 1 from other sports. Lance Stroll, now 27, also expressed enthusiasm about his continued role.
"I'm very happy to continue with Aston Martin Aramco for the long term," he remarked, emphasizing his belief that the team possesses the resources and talent needed to evolve into a race‑winning outfit. Stroll, whose father Lawrence Stroll is the executive chairman and co‑owner of the team, has been with the Silverstone operation for nine years, five of them as a race driver.
The familial connection adds another layer of stability to the driver lineup. Lawrence Stroll reinforced the strategic importance of retaining both seasoned drivers. He stated, "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. Having two drivers with their level of experience, commitment and knowledge provides tremendous value to the whole organisation." He added that while the short‑term focus remains on improving performance, the long‑term objective is unequivocal: to win championships.
The timing of these extensions is notable because other high‑profile drivers on the market, such as Carlos Sainz of Williams, chose to stay with their current teams during the summer. This left Aston Martin with a relatively secure driver roster, meaning only four seats remain open across the grid for the upcoming season.
Those vacancies are currently at Racing Bulls and Haas, with speculation that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad may stay at Racing Bulls, while Haas is expected to keep Oliver Bearman. The future of Esteban Ocon at Haas remains uncertain, with rising F2 champion Rafael Camara, a Ferrari‑backed prospect, emerging as a leading 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. This addition injects fresh excitement into the schedule and offers teams a chance to showcase their development under different conditions. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s contract renewal with Aston Martin not only secures his place in the sport for at least another year but also cements a partnership that aims to transform a struggling team into a future contender. With both drivers now under contract and a clear vision from the ownership, the next few seasons could see Aston Martin making significant strides toward the podium, driven by the combined experience of its veteran drivers and the technical expertise of its engineering staff.
The journey ahead promises to be challenging, but the commitment expressed by all parties suggests a shared belief that success is within reach.