Despite finishing 19th in the World Championship: this is how Fernando Alonso explains his contract extension

Fernando Alonso is staying in Formula 1! His team, Aston Martin, announced this landmark decision on Tuesday in Malaysia ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. This finally brings clarity to the number one topic of speculation. Until the very last moment, Alonso had left open what his future would hold in 2027. The only thing that was clear was that he would continue to work for Aston Martin. But whether as an F1 driver, in a role away from the cockpit or in the World Endurance Championship – he had left that open right up until the last minute.

As there was no emotional farewell at his home Grand Prix in Madrid three weeks ago, and with Aston Martin still having not signed a replacement and the rumours on the matter having died down, it was becoming apparent what is now official: Alonso is staying in his current role. Even though he’ll be a proud 46 next year, the Spaniard will continue to race in Formula 1. Looking at the World Championship standings (19th place), one might ask: why is he putting himself through this? The regulations will remain largely unchanged until 2027.

“Things are very clear now”

Alonso explained his decision in a video message. The Asturian said: “Formula 1 has been great to me. I’ve had a brilliant career. I’ve travelled the world, raced for more than 23 years, and competed in more than 400 Grands Prix. And I’ve achieved more than I could ever have dreamed of. It took me a little while to make my decision. But now things are very clear to me.”

And then comes a nasty cliffhanger for Alonso fans who might not yet have known the context of the video message: ‘I’m going to end my Formula 1 career… but not just yet. I still feel fast, motivated and have a huge passion for Formula 1, for this sport. So I’m really happy to keep racing at the highest level – this is my life.”

On the track, these are currently difficult times for Alonso and Aston Martin. He’d had high hopes for the new regulations introduced this season. His team had invested a great deal of resources – both financial and in terms of personnel – into the project – yet Alonso currently sits 19th in the World Championship standings with a meagre three points. Only his team-mate Lance Stroll, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda (who has only driven in three GPs) and the hapless Cadillacs are further down the table. In Baku, Alonso couldn’t even finish the race (as has so often been the case this season).

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But the two-time world champion has no intention of hanging up his racing boots just yet – instead, he plans to mount another challenge in 2027 with an improved chassis and engine (keyword: ADUO!) – and , if he has his way, with revised regulations designed to make driving more enjoyable.