Fernando Alonso will continue racing in Formula 1 beyond his 46th birthday after finalizing a new contract with Aston Martin. The agreement keeps the two-time world champion in the team’s lineup for the 2027 season alongside Canadian teammate Lance Stroll. According to fernando Alonso, Extending his Aston Martin contract followed a five-minute conversation with team owner Lawrence Stroll, a deal that will see the two-time world champion continue racing past the age of 46.
The veteran driver, who turned 45 this past July, revealed that the decision was reached with surprising ease. “Sitting with Lawrence was very straightforward, we didn’t have much to discuss,” Alonso told reporters on Thursday. “We both wanted to continue at that point and it was a five-minute talk.”
Despite the quick negotiation, the reality of the team’s performance remains challenging. Alonso acknowledged that he has “no guarantees that 2027 will be more fun,” especially given the current struggles of the Silverstone-based outfit. Amid a difficult campaign featuring an uncompetitive car and Honda power unit, Aston Martin has managed only three points across 15 rounds, all of which were secured by Alonso, placing the team 10th in the standings. All from Alonso, and are 10th of 11, they have scored just three points in 15 rounds.
Reflecting on his career, the Spaniard—who holds the record for 440 race starts since his 2001 debut—admitted his passion for driving remains his primary motivator. “At the end of the day, I feel fast, I feel motivated, I feel that I’m enjoying what I’m doing,” he explained. He noted that watching races from home often leaves him feeling he could outperform the current field, a sensation that previously drew him back to the sport. Winning two championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, the Spaniard has started a record 440 races since his ‌debut in 2001 and is ‌the sport’s oldest active driver.
Alonso credited his two-year sabbatical between 2019 and 2021 as a vital factor in his longevity. “I had to stop. I had to switch off from Formula One,” he said. Stepping away allowed him to explore diverse motorsport disciplines including Indy Racing and prototype series, which he believes helped him evolve into a more complete driver.
Throughout his career, Alonso has adapted to vastly different technical eras, from V10 and V8 engines to modern hybrid systems and ground-effect machinery. “My strength has been to adapt to different cars, different rules,” he added.
His personal life also influences his racing commitments, particularly following the birth of his first child with partner Melissa Jimenez earlier this year. With a touch of humor, he admitted his home life reflects his current professional frustrations. “She’s feeling the pain also this year and she’s worried about my health when we are not competitive,” Alonso said. “Yeah, she prefers me away when we are not competitive.”
