Alonso stays in F1 for 2027 as Aston Martin keeps its lineup
Photo: Honda Racing Corporation (HRC)
Fernando Alonso is not retiring from Formula 1. The two-time world champion has signed a new contract with Aston Martin and will begin his 24th F1 season next year. The team made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon together with a contract extension for Lance Stroll, so its driver lineup for 2027 is unchanged.
A decision after months of speculation
The 45-year-old Spaniard's previous contract ran until the end of the 2026 season. For several months, Alonso fielded questions about whether he would stay in F1, and his consistent answer was that it depended on the direction the rules would take. He strongly dislikes the technical regulations introduced in 2026, which place greater emphasis on electric power.
According to motorsport.com, withholding a public decision was partly a way to put pressure on F1. Alonso held meetings with Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Motorsport Week reports that he had previously suggested he would remain connected with Aston Martin whether or not he kept racing.
The team revealed his decision in a social media video. In it, Alonso says he has decided to "retire from Formula 1." After a pause, he adds: "But not yet."
Alonso explains why he is staying
In the team's statement, Alonso said he was very happy to sign a new contract with Aston Martin. "I took my time to make this decision, but racing is my life, my passion, and I know I still have the speed and determination to compete at the highest level." He also said he believes in what the team is building, pointing to its strong leadership, people, partners and facilities.
He went further in an interview with the BBC. "First, this is my life," he said, adding that racing is in his blood. The main reason for continuing, he explained, is his self-confidence and the feeling that he still has something extra. He considered it premature to think about stepping out of the car or taking a different role in the team. "I still feel as fast as anybody. So let's have another go," he added.
Alonso also addressed the team's poor results. "So when I get changed and I go back home, even if I'm P18, in a way I feel some satisfaction and pride inside, even if it should not be the case because we are not competitive," he said. Once he sees that he has lost ability, speed or reflexes, he said, he will be happy to watch races from his living room. "I cannot stop racing if I still think like that."
Aston Martin near the back in 2026
After 15 rounds, Aston Martin has 3 points and sits 10th in the constructors' championship. Alonso scored all of them. Only the debuting Cadillac team is behind the British outfit.
Motorsport.com says the team started the new regulations very badly, partly because of an uncompetitive Honda engine. Motorsport Week attributes Aston Martin's position at the back of the field to problems with both the car and the power unit.
The partnership began very differently. Alonso moved to Aston Martin from Alpine before the 2023 season and finished on the podium six times in his first eight Grands Prix with the team, adding two more podiums before the end of that year. After that, rivals developed their cars faster.
Stroll stays, lineup unchanged for 2027
Aston Martin has also extended the contract of Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. Stroll joined the team from Williams, and next season will be his ninth with the Silverstone squad.
"I've been on this journey since the beginning and I believe we have the resources and the people to become a winning team," Stroll said. He added that he sees real progress being made at Silverstone.
In 2027, Alonso and Stroll will start their fifth season together. According to formula1.com, they have 644 starts between them, making them the most experienced lineup on the grid. RaceFans describes Alonso as the most experienced driver in F1 history. He has 32 race wins.
"We are here to win, and whilst our short-term focus remains on improving performance, I believe we have the world-class talent we need to achieve our long-term objectives," Lawrence Stroll said.
Four seats still open for 2027
Aston Martin confirmed its lineup ahead of the next Grand Prix weekend. After the announcement, four seats remain open on the entry list for next season.
According to formula1.com, Haas is set to announce that Oliver Bearman will stay, with Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara the favorite for the second seat.
Formula1.com also reports that Arvid Lindblad is expected to stay at Racing Bulls for a second season. Liam Lawson is hoping for another full season with the team, but a promotion for Nikola Tsolov, currently second in F2, is also possible.