Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team through the 2027 season, extending his already historic career into a record‑setting 24th year in the sport. The 45‑year‑old two‑time world champion, who first entered Formula 1 as a 19‑year‑old rookie in 2001, will continue to share the garage with teammate Lance Stroll, whose own contract extension was announced alongside Alonso's. Alonso's résumé is one of the most impressive in modern motorsport. He captured back‑to‑back world titles in 2005 and 2006, has started 440 Grand Prix events, and has taken 32 victories.
He will turn 46 in July, yet he insists that his speed and determination remain at a level that can still challenge for podiums. "Racing is my life, my passion," the Spaniard said in his 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 difficult debut season for Aston Martin under the new 2026 technical regulations.
The 2026 season marks the team's first year as a works partner of Honda, and the car is being shaped by the legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey. Despite the high‑profile engineering talent, the team has struggled to translate potential into points, managing just three championship points after 15 races.
Alonso, who has been openly critical of the current engine formula, nevertheless believes the project has a solid foundation and that continued development will yield better results. "I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities," Alonso added.
"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." Lance Stroll, 27, also confirmed his commitment to the Silverstone‑based outfit for a fifth consecutive season, which will be his ninth year overall with the team owned in part by his father, Lawrence Stroll, who serves as executive chairman. "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." Lawrence Stroll echoed the drivers' enthusiasm, emphasizing the strategic importance of retaining both experienced racers. "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," he stated.
"Having two drivers with their level of experience, commitment and knowledge provides tremendous value to the whole organisation. We are here to win, and while 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 extensions effectively lock in the team's driver lineup for the upcoming season, leaving only four seats open across the grid. Those vacancies belong to Racing Bulls and Haas. Racing Bulls have not yet announced their driver pairings, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad appear to be the front‑runners to stay.
Haas is expected to retain British rookie Oliver Bearman, while the future of Frenchman Esteban Ocon looks uncertain. The team may look to bring in the 2023 Formula 2 champion, Rafael Câmara, who is currently backed by Ferrari and is seen as a strong candidate to replace Ocon. Alonso's decision to stay at Aston Martin also reflects the broader driver market dynamics.
Several potential race‑winning drivers, such as Williams' Carlos Sainz, chose to remain with their current teams during the summer, reducing the pool of available talent for Aston Martin to target. By securing both of its experienced drivers, the team can focus on technical development rather than scrambling for new personnel. Beyond the driver line‑up, Aston Martin is aiming to turn its fortunes around on the track. The partnership with Honda brings a new power unit that, while initially challenging to integrate, promises greater performance as the two sides refine their collaboration.
Adrian Newey's expertise in aerodynamics is expected to yield a more competitive chassis as the team gathers data throughout the season. The combination of a powerful engine, refined aerodynamics, and the seasoned feedback from Alonso and Stroll could see the team climb the standings in the coming years. The 2026 season also marks a historic moment for Formula 1 as the series returns to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the first time since 2017. Fans can look forward to the Bahrain Grand Prix being staged at the iconic track, with live coverage available on Sky Sports F1 and streaming via NOW.
While the calendar expands, Aston Martin will be focused on converting the lessons of a tough debut year into tangible progress, aiming to deliver the podium finishes that both the team and its supporters crave. In summary, Fernando Alonso's contract extension cements his place in what could become the longest career in Formula 1 history, while Lance Stroll's renewed deal ensures continuity for the Silverstone squad.
With strong leadership, a clear technical direction, and a commitment to long‑term success, Aston Martin is poised to transform its early struggles into a competitive threat in the seasons ahead.