Fernando Alonso hasn't had enough yet. © ANSA / FRANCK ROBICHON

Alonso remains loyal to Aston Martin

One of the biggest personnel questions before the coming Formula 1 year has been clarified. Fernando Alonso will not be moving to Mercedes or Red Bull Racing as the 42-year-old Spaniard has extended his contract with British racing team Aston Martin.

11 April 2024

From: dpa/apa

“Here to stay,” said an unusual statement from Aston Martin on Thursday without further details. A short video followed on social media in which Alonso sits down on a leather chair and says: “I am Fernando Alonso, and I am here to stay.” Under it, Aston Martin wrote: “The story continues.” Formula 1 shortly afterwards clarified on their website that the two-time world champion had signed a contract according to which he would continue to drive for Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll's racing team in 2026.

“It’s a life project,” emphasized Alonso in an online media panel. He did not provide any information about the exact length of his new contract, but it is the longest he has signed in his career and is likely to extend well beyond his active career as a driver. “It ties me to Aston Martin for many years. “Let’s see how much longer I can drive,” said Alonso. “But it’s true, I’ll still be racing when I’m 45.” He will celebrate his 45th birthday on July 29, 2026.

Alonso doesn't think about quitting

Apparently he agreed with Stroll that he could decide for himself what to do next after 2026. Alonso's teammate is currently Stroll's son Lance. The Spaniard also made it clear: “Retiring was not an option.” He still loves racing too much to stop.

Fernando Alonso continues. © APA/afp / PHILIP FONG

Alonso has been driving for Aston Martin, which has a new, ultra-modern factory directly on the Silverstone racetrack, since the beginning of 2023. At that time, he took over the cockpit from Sebastian Vettel, who had ended his career. Alonso drove his first race in 2001, and the driver from Oviedo celebrated his greatest successes with the world championship titles in 2005 and 2006. In the Renault, Alonso ended the title streak of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.

Alonso continues to enjoy a high reputation in the paddock and was also considered a candidate at Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton's cockpit will be available there after this season; the seven-time champion will drive for Ferrari from 2025. Alonso has also been linked to Red Bull. Mexican Sergio Perez's contract with the industry leader expires after this season.