F1: Fernando Alonso to Continue with Aston Martin Until 2026, Signs Multi-year Extension Deal

Aston Martin has officially confirmed that Fernando Alonso will continue his journey with the British F1 team under a fresh multi-year agreement. This confirmation puts an end to the speculation surrounding his future, as the two-time world champion is set to remain with Aston Martin until 2026. With the driver market fiercely competitive, Alonso's status has been a focal point of discussion as his previous contract approached its end this year. Notably, other top-tier teams such as Red Bull and Mercedes also have vacancies in their driver line-ups. With this announcement, Alonso becomes the first significant move in the driver market, as the persuasion of Lawrence Stroll's team ensures his presence through 2025.

Fernando Alonso, Driver, Aston Martin Aramco said: "There has been much said and written about my future in Formula One in the past few months, but today I'm delighted to announce that I'm here to stay with Aston Martin Aramco in a multi-year agreement.

"I said at the start of the year that I would decide if I wanted to continue racing first and then sit down with the team. From the moment I joined the team in 2023 I felt extremely at home. In just over 15 months we have already achieved so much together, with some memorable podiums and battles.

"I am very grateful for the trust Lawrence, Martin and Mike have put in me and with Lance I am excited to see what else we can achieve together. This is only the beginning for this project and I am proud to be part of it. I am at my physical best and still hungry. I will give my all as we continue our journey to becoming a world championship winning team."

Fernando Alonso and Honda

Alonso's renewal involves the Honda component, considering many believed he had a strained relationship with the Japanese manufacturer during his second stint at McLaren. During that time, when Honda was a works partner, Alonso vocally criticized the Honda engine.

Alonso has 381 race starts, making him the most seasoned driver in Grand Prix history. As the season progresses, he's poised to break the record for the most Grand Prix appearances, reaching a milestone of 400 races. Currently, he holds the distinction of being the oldest active Formula 1 driver, surpassing the age at which Michael Schumacher competed in his final Grand Prix in Brazil in 2012.

Of Aston Martin's 33 points earned in the first four races of the 2024 season, Alonso has contributed 24. His recent performance at the Japanese Grand Prix was hailed as one of his career highlights, with a sixth-place race finish. Alonso's track record includes 32 Grand Prix victories, 106 podium finishes, and 22 pole positions. He clinched the world championship titles in 2005 and 2006 while driving for Renault. Although his last Grand Prix victory was more than a decade ago, in the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso continues to demonstrate his prowess on the track.