Fernando Alonso signs new deal with Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso has ended speculation about his Formula 1 future by signing a new multi-year deal with Aston Martin until the end of the 2026 season. The deal was announced with a press release from the team which included a quote from Alonso simply stating: “I am here to stay.”

The Spanish driver has been with the Silverstone-based team since 2023 after making the move from Alpine and achieved seven podium finishes in his first season, including second-place finishes in Monaco, Canada and the Netherlands.

Speculation over the 42-year-old’s future had been rife ever since Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was announced back in February, with many predicting it would set off a driver merry-go-round in F1 that would include Alonso. However, Alonso has allayed the fears of Aston Martin fans and will continue with the team into his mid-40s.

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack said of the announcement: “Securing Fernando’s long-term future with Aston Martin Aramco is fantastic news. We have built a strong working relationship over the last 18 months and we share the same determination to see this project succeed.

“We have been in constant dialogue over the last few months and Fernando has been true to his word: when he decided he wanted to continue racing, he talked to us first. Fernando has shown he believes in us, and we believe in him.

“Fernando is hungry for success, driving better than ever, is fitter than ever, and is completely dedicated to making Aston Martin Aramco a competitive force.”

Aston Martin currently lie fifth in the constructors’ standings after the first four rounds of the 2024 season, sitting behind Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and leaders Red Bull. Alonso’s new deal overlaps with the beginning of Aston Martin’s new power unit deal with Honda in 2026.

words: Mike Booth
picture: Aston Martin F1