Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team through the 2027 season, 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 his 24th campaign in the sport – a record‑breaking milestone that underscores both his longevity and his continued competitiveness. Alonso’s new deal ensures that he will continue to line up alongside Canadian teammate Lance Stroll, whose own contract extension was announced simultaneously. Stroll, 27, will be with the team for a fifth consecutive season and his ninth year overall, having joined the operation when his father Lawrence Stroll took on the role of executive chairman and co‑owner of the Silverstone‑based squad.
The veteran Spaniard’s career statistics are staggering: 440 Grand Prix starts, 32 victories and two World Championships earned in 2005 and 2006. He will turn 46 in July, yet he insists his pace and determination remain at a level that can still challenge for podiums. "Racing is my life, my passion," Alonso said in his statement. "I know I still have the speed and the desire 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 difficult one.
The team entered a new technical era with the introduction of fresh regulations and the debut of Honda as its works engine partner, while the car’s design was overseen by the legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey. The results have been modest – only three points after fifteen races – and the outfit has faced criticism for its lack of pace. Despite this, Alonso remains optimistic.
He praised the team’s leadership, its talented personnel, and the facilities at Silverstone, adding that the energy of the fans fuels his motivation. "Their enthusiasm creates an atmosphere that inspires me and makes our sport special," he explained.
Lance Stroll echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the progress being made across the organization. "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 Canadian driver said. He highlighted the hard work taking place at the factory and the determination he sees in every department, describing it as a major source of personal motivation. Lawrence Stroll, the team’s principal and a key figure in its resurgence, reiterated his ambition to bring Aston Martin to the forefront of Formula 1.
He lauded the experience and commitment that both Alonso and Stroll bring to the table, noting that their knowledge adds significant value to the entire operation. "We are here to win," he declared.
"While our short‑term focus remains on improving performance, we have the world‑class talent needed to achieve our long‑term objectives." Alonso’s continued presence at Aston Martin also has broader implications for the driver market. Earlier in the summer, several potential race‑winning drivers, such as Carlos Sainz of Williams, chose to stay with their current teams, narrowing the pool of available talent.
With the Aston Martin lineup now set, only four seats on the 2026 grid remain uncertain – those at the newly formed Racing Bulls and at Haas. Racing Bulls have yet to announce their drivers, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad appear likely to retain their places. Haas is expected to keep young British driver Oliver Bearman, while the future of Frenchman Esteban Ocon is still in question; the team may look to the 2024 Formula 2 champion Rafael Câmara, a Ferrari‑backed prospect, as a possible replacement.
The upcoming race calendar adds further excitement. Formula 1 will travel to Malaysia for the first time since 2017, with the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1, and streaming options are available through NOW without a long‑term contract.
In summary, Fernando Alonso’s contract extension secures his place at Aston Martin for at least the 2027 season, marking a historic 24th year in Formula 1. His partnership with Lance Stroll continues, and both drivers express confidence in the team’s direction under Lawrence Stroll’s leadership. Despite a challenging 2026 campaign, the squad remains focused on development, aiming to transform its modest point haul into genuine podium contention in the years ahead. The driver market is tightening, and the remaining open seats will be closely watched as the sport heads into a new era of technical regulations and heightened competition.