Double 2005-2006 Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has extended his contract at least until the end of 2026 with Aston Martin, the team announced on Thursday, putting an end to rumors of the Spaniard’s departure.
“This multi-year agreement with Fernando (whose contract ended at the end of 2024, Editor’s note) takes us until the end of 2026”, a year which will mark the start of a new technical regulation and the arrival of Honda as engine manufacturer for Aston Martin, said team boss Mike Krack.
“It wasn’t a very complicated decision to make,” reacted the Spaniard, who joined the English team at the start of 2023, during a press conference. “I wanted to continue driving for Aston Martin and, they , wanted to keep me so when both parties want these things, at some point, we reach an agreement. »
The announcement comes as the 42-year-old Spanish veteran was at the center of rumors that he was leaving to join other teams, such as reigning world champion Red Bull and eight-time champion Mercedes, instead. of its star Lewis Hamilton who will join Ferrari next year.
The majority of drivers entered this year in F1 see their contracts expire at the end of 2024.
“Fernando is hungry for success, drives better than ever, is fitter than ever and is fully dedicated to making Aston Martin Aramco a competitive force,” also underlined Mike Krack, quoted in a press release.
“Never thought about retirement”
In 2023, for his first season with the British team, Alonso finished 4e in the championship, his best ranking since 2013 (he finished vice-world champion that year).
After four rounds contested in 2024, the Spaniard is currently 8th in the championship, ahead of his Canadian teammate Lance Stroll (son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll), 10e. The stable is 5e out of 10 in the provisional ranking of manufacturers.
Where will the forty-year-old stop? “I can’t predict when I will stop racing. This will certainly not happen before the end of 2026 because I confirmed that one of my motivations was to discover the new regulations and work with Honda,” explained the “Taurus of Asturias”, who will be 45 at the end of 2026, on Thursday.
The Spaniard also assured that he had “never thought about retirement” in recent times.
Asked earlier this year what age he would see himself driving in F1, Alonso explained: “A few years ago I would have said 41 or 42 was the age limit. [pour courir en F1] but after seeing my motivation and good performances last year, I thought I could run for a few more years […] If we remain motivated and committed, we can imagine flying until the age of 48, 49 or even 50.”