Fernando Alonso commits long-term future to Aston Martin with new F1 deal
Aston Martin has secured Fernando Alonso's services in a multi-year deal, keeping the two-time world champion with the team until the end of 2026 as they prepare for their works partnership with Honda.
Driver announcements
Fernando Alonso commits to Aston Martin with New F1 Deal.
Aston Martin has announced that two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has committed his long-term future to the team by signing a fresh multi-year contract extension.
The deal, which ties the Spaniard to the Silverstone-based outfit until the end of 2026, ends speculation surrounding Alonso's plans as top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes also had seats up for grabs.
Technical partnership
Alonso's new contract ensures his presence at Aston Martin during a crucial period as the team prepares to transition into a works partnership with Honda for the 2026 season, marking the introduction of all-new technical regulations.
This development suggests that Alonso's troubled past with the Japanese manufacturer during their McLaren days is now water under the bridge.
Team statements
Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack expressed his delight at securing Alonso's services, stating,
"Securing Fernando's long-term future with Aston Martin Aramco is fantastic news."
"We have built a strong working relationship over the last 18 months and we share the same determination to see this project succeed."
Krack further elaborated,
"Fernando has shown he believes in us, and we believe in him. Fernando is hungry for success, driving better than ever, is fitter than ever, and is completely dedicated to making Aston Martin Aramco a competitive force."
Driver's perspective
In recent weeks, Alonso had hinted at his unwillingness to be influenced by other teams' decisions, asserting,
"I chose when to go from a team, when to join a team, I chose when to stop F1. And I chose when to come back. And now I will choose what I do next year."
"I will not follow what others do, and they dictate my destiny. I will do it on my own. For good or for bad, this is the way I am."
Alonso's commitment to Aston Martin marks the first major domino to fall in the wildly open 2024 driver market.
With the Spaniard's future resolved, attention now shifts to the remaining vacant seats at top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, setting the stage for further intriguing developments in the driver merry-go-round.
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