Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has ended months of speculation by announcing a contract extension through the 2027 Formula 1 season, confirming he will not retire at the end of this year. The 45-year-old two-time F1 drivers’ champion made the announcement via a video message shared on the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team’s official Instagram account on Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Alonso Retains 2027 Seat Amid Slow Start for Aston Martin
Alonso stated that while he will eventually step away from the sport, that day has not arrived. According to F1.com, the Spanish driver cited his enduring speed and competitive fire as reasons to press on past his 23rd year on the grid. “I will retire from Formula 1,” Alonso said in the video message. “But not yet. I still feel fast, motivated, and a huge passion for Formula 1 and this sport.” The veteran driver’s decision comes as a major show of faith, given the difficulties Aston Martin has faced under the sport’s new regulations.
Technical Hurdles Facing the AMR26 This Season
The 2026 campaign has proven arduous for the Silverstone-based outfit despite high expectations surrounding engineer Adrian Newey. The year opened with Honda power unit vibrations so severe that parts were quite literally falling off the AMR26, creating safety hazards that prevented drivers from finishing full races. Upgrades introduced in recent weeks have pulled the team closer to the midfield, yet reliability remains a persistent barrier. Alonso has retired from six races this season—his highest single-campaign retirement tally since 2018 with McLaren—and scored just three points, his lowest total since his 2001 rookie season.
Teammate Lance Stroll Confirmed for Long-Term Return
Aston Martin also confirmed that teammate Lance Stroll will remain with the team for the 2027 season. Stroll expressed confidence in the ongoing development at the factory in a team statement, pointing to the hard work underway to build a winning organization. In the current 2026 constructors’ championship standings, Aston Martin sits 10th out of 11 teams, positioned ahead only of the new Cadillac entry. In the drivers’ standings, Alonso holds 19th place while Stroll sits 21st, with Alonso’s 10th-place finish in Monaco and ninth-place finish in the Netherlands providing the team’s only points of the year.
Common Questions Regarding Alonso’s F1 Future
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Is Fernando Alonso retiring from F1?
No. Alonso announced an extension with Aston Martin through 2027, stating he still feels fast and motivated to race. -
How many points has Alonso scored this season?
Alonso’s 10th-place finish in Monaco and ninth-place finish in the Netherlands providing the team’s only points of the year. -
Who is Alonso’s teammate at Aston Martin?
Lance Stroll drives alongside Alonso and has also signed to return for the 2027 season. -
What engine issues affected Aston Martin early in the year?
Severe vibrations from the Honda power unit damaged car components and forced early retirements at the start of the season.
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