The Formula 1 legend

Revealed! Fernando Alonso’s future is clear

One of the biggest personnel issues ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 year has been resolved - 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! 

"Here to stay," said an unusual announcement from Aston Martin without further details. A short video followed on Instagram in which Alonso sits down on a leather chair and says: "I'm Fernando Alonso, and I'm here to stay."

Underneath, Aston Martin wrote: "The story continues." Shortly afterwards, Formula 1 clarified on its website that the two-time world champion had signed a contract to continue driving for the racing team of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll in 2026.

"A life project"
"It's a life project," Alonso emphasized in an online media roundtable. He did not give any details about the exact duration 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'll be driving," said Alonso. "But it's true, I will still be racing at 45." He will celebrate his 45th birthday on July 29, 2026.

He apparently agreed with Stroll that he can decide for himself what to do after 2026. Alonso's team-mate is currently Stroll's son Lance. The Spaniard also made it clear: "Retirement was not an option." He simply still loves racing far too much to stop.

"The story continues!"
Alonso has been driving for the team, which has a new state-of-the-art factory right next to the Silverstone race track, since the beginning of 2023, when he took over the cockpit from Sebastian Vettel, who had ended his career.

Alonso drove his first race back in 2001, and the driver from Oviedo celebrated his greatest successes with the 2005 and 2006 world championship titles. In the Renault, Alonso ended the title streak of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.

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