Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team through the 2027 campaign, extending his deal 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 his 24th season in the sport – a record‑breaking tenure that will see him compete well into his mid‑forties. Alonso will continue to line up beside Canadian teammate Lance Stroll, whose own contract extension was announced at the same time, solidifying the team’s driver roster for the next two years.
Alonso’s career statistics underline the significance of this milestone. Over 440 Grand Prix starts he has amassed 32 victories, 98 podium finishes and a total of 2,000+ championship points.
He will turn 46 in July 2027, yet insists his motivation and speed remain at a level that can still challenge the front‑running cars. "Racing is my life, my passion," the Spaniard said in his statement, adding that he feels "fast enough" and "committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed." He praised the organisation’s leadership, technical staff and the enthusiasm of the fan base, noting that the atmosphere at Silverstone fuels his desire to keep competing.
Aston Martin’s 2026 season has been a testing period. The team entered a new era of technical regulations, partnered with Honda as their official engine supplier, and introduced a chassis designed by the legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey. Despite the high‑profile changes, the car has struggled to deliver points, managing only three scores from fifteen races so far. The performance gap has prompted criticism from several drivers, including Alonso, who has been outspoken about the current power‑unit formula.
Nevertheless, he believes the project has a solid foundation and that continued development will eventually translate into better results. Lance Stroll, now 27, echoed the optimism, stating, "I'm very happy to continue with Aston Martin Aramco for the long term. I've been on this journey since the beginning and I believe we have the resources and the people to become a winning team." He highlighted the hard work taking place across all departments at the Silverstone base and expressed confidence that the collective determination will drive progress. The Stroll family’s involvement runs deep: Lawrence Stroll, Lance’s father, serves as executive chairman and co‑owner of the outfit, and he reiterated his commitment to turning Aston Martin into a championship contender.
"Having two drivers with their level of experience, commitment and knowledge provides tremendous value to the whole organisation," Lawrence said, adding that the team’s short‑term focus is on performance improvement while its long‑term aim is to win titles. The contract extensions also have broader implications for the driver market. Earlier in the off‑season, several high‑profile racers, such as Williams’ Carlos Sainz, chose to stay with their current teams, narrowing the pool of available talent. With Aston Martin’s lineup now locked, only four seats remain open on the grid for the 2027 season – two at the newly formed Racing Bulls and two at Haas.
Racing Bulls have yet to announce their drivers, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad appear to be front‑runners for retention. Haas is expected to keep British rookie Oliver Bearman, while the future of Frenchman Esteban Ocon is uncertain; the team may look to promote F2 champion Rafael Camara, a driver backed by Ferrari, as a possible replacement. Beyond the driver line‑up, 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 event live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available via NOW without a long‑term contract. Alonso’s decision to stay with Aston Martin underscores a broader trend of veteran drivers extending their careers well beyond the traditional retirement age.
His longevity mirrors that of other seasoned competitors who have leveraged experience, fitness regimes and technical knowledge to remain competitive. The Spaniard’s continued presence also offers a mentorship opportunity for younger teammates like Stroll, who can benefit from Alonso’s racecraft and strategic insight.
In summary, Fernando Alonso’s contract renewal with Aston Martin secures his place on the grid for at least the 2027 season, marking his 24th year in Formula 1 – a record that may stand for years to come. The agreement, alongside Lance Stroll’s parallel extension, provides stability for the team as it navigates a challenging developmental phase with its new Honda power unit and Newey‑designed chassis. While immediate results have been modest, the leadership remains confident that the combination of experienced drivers, robust technical resources and a passionate fan base will eventually translate into podium finishes and, ultimately, championship contention.