Any speculation that the two-time world champion Fernando Alonso might take Lewis Hamilton’s place at Mercedes the following season has been dashed by his commitment to Aston Martin.
With the signing of a new contract with Aston, the 42-year-old two-time world champion will continue to drive for the club until 2026, when new rules go into effect.
“I intend to remain here,” he affirmed.
The seasoned Spanish veteran has been mentioned as a potential replacement for seven-time champion Hamilton at Mercedes following the Briton’s departure for Ferrari the following year.
Since Alonso transferred from Alpine to the British stable, he and Aston have had an excellent partnership.
Last season, he finished on six of the first eight podiums and showed off his unwavering skill by taking second in Monaco, Canada, and the Netherlands.
With the help of those upbeat outings, the team led by driving partner Lance Stroll’s Canadian billionaire father Lawrence moved up to fifth place from seventh place the previous season.
Following Hamilton’s unexpected revelation that he was switching from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, there was inevitable conjecture that Alonso may be driving alongside George Russell in the upcoming season.
However, his decision to permanently tie his colors to the Silverstone outfit on Thursday put an end to those speculations.
Alonso has won 32 Grand Prix races, but it has taken him 11 years to add to that total.
“Securing Fernando’s long-term future with Aston Martin Aramco is fantastic news,” stated Mike Krack, principal of the Aston team.
“Over the past 18 months, we have developed a strong working relationship and we are both committed to seeing this project through to completion.” According to Krack, communication between the team and Alonso has been ongoing over the past few months.
And Fernando has kept his word, speaking with us first when he made the decision to carry on racing. Krack continued, “Filipino has demonstrated his belief in us and our belief in him.
“Fernando is fully committed to turning Aston Martin Aramco into a competitive force. He is driven, fit, and hungry for success.” The Aston CEO stated that they will have a “multi-year agreement with Fernando” through 2026, when they will start working with Honda on a works power unit.
“We’re excited to build even more amazing memories and succeed more as a team,” he remarked.
Later this season, Alonso is scheduled to make history as the first driver to compete in 400 Grand Prix events.
Alonso is currently ranked seventh in the rankings following the first four rounds of the 2024 season.
