Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team through the 2027 campaign, extending his tenure with the British outfit for at least another year. The 45‑year‑old two‑time world champion, who first entered Formula 1 as a 19‑year‑old rookie in 2001, will now embark on what will become his 24th season in the sport – a record that underscores his longevity and enduring competitiveness. Alonso will continue to share the garage with Canadian teammate Lance Stroll, whose own contract extension was announced alongside the Spaniard's.
Alonso’s career statistics are impressive: he has started 440 Grand Prix events, claimed 32 victories and amassed a wealth of podium finishes. He will celebrate his 46th birthday in July, yet he insists that his pace and determination remain at a level that can still challenge for top results.
"Racing is my life and my passion," the veteran driver said in his statement. "I have taken the time to make this decision, but I know I still have the speed and the drive to compete at the highest level, and I am committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed." The extension comes after a turbulent first year for Aston Martin under the new 2026 technical regulations.
The team entered a fresh partnership with Honda as its works engine supplier and introduced a car designed by the legendary Adrian Newey. Despite the high‑profile collaboration, the season has been disappointing, with the squad scoring only three points from fifteen races to date. Alonso, who has not shied away from voicing criticism of the current power‑unit rules, nevertheless expressed optimism about the project’s direction.
"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," he added. Lance Stroll, 27, echoed the sentiment, confirming his own long‑term commitment to Aston Martin. "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 ambition to elevate the outfit to championship‑contending status.
"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," Lawrence Stroll 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." The decision to retain both drivers also clarifies the driver market for the upcoming season. With other potential race‑winning talents, such as Carlos Sainz of Williams, opting to stay with their current teams, the only remaining vacancies on the 2026 grid are at Racing Bulls and Haas.
Racing Bulls have yet to announce their line‑up, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad appear to be the frontrunners for retention. Haas is expected to keep young British driver Oliver Bearman, while the future of Frenchman Esteban Ocon is uncertain; the team is reportedly considering F2 champion Rafael Camara, a Ferrari‑backed prospect, as a possible replacement. Alonso’s extended stay at Aston Martin is significant not only for the driver but also for the broader narrative of veteran participation in Formula 1.
Competing into his mid‑forties, he joins a select group of seasoned racers who have defied conventional retirement ages, demonstrating that experience and skill can offset the raw speed of younger competitors. His presence also offers a mentorship advantage for the team, providing valuable feedback on car development and race strategy.
Looking ahead, Aston Martin will aim to translate its technical partnership with Honda into tangible on‑track performance. The 2026 regulations introduced major changes to aerodynamics, chassis design and power‑unit specifications, and teams are still adapting.
While the early results have been modest, the combination of Newey’s design expertise, Honda’s power‑unit improvements and the seasoned insights of drivers like Alonso and Stroll could yield a competitive package later in the season. Fans can anticipate seeing the duo continue to battle at circuits worldwide, from the high‑speed straights of Monza to the twisty challenges of Singapore. The team’s commitment to building a strong culture, as highlighted by Alonso’s comments about the "energy" and "atmosphere" that inspire him, suggests a focus on morale and cohesion that could prove decisive in the tightly contested midfield. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s contract renewal with Aston Martin secures his place on the grid for a historic 24th season, while Lance Stroll’s parallel extension ensures stability for the British team.
With Lawrence Stroll’s leadership and a clear vision for long‑term success, the outfit hopes to convert its early‑season struggles into a resurgence that could see it challenging for podiums and, eventually, victories in the coming years.