Alonso extends contract with “Aston Martin”

Alonso thus ended talk that the two-time world champion could replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season.

“I’m here to stay,” confirmed the 42-year-old pilot.

The Spanish driver was considered a possible candidate to replace seven-time world champion Hamilton at Mercedes, with the Briton moving to Ferrari next year.

Last season, Alonso climbed to the podium eight times in F-1 events, winning second place in Monaco, Canada and the Netherlands.

It helped the team, also driven by Lance Stroll, to climb from seventh place last season to fifth place.

Alonso has won 32 F-1 races, although the last victory was won in 2013.

“The signing of a long-term contract with Alonso at Aston Martin is fantastic news,” commented Mike Krak, manager of the Aston Martin team.

Krak said the team had been in talks with Alonso for several months.

“And Alonso has been true to his word – when he decided he wanted to continue racing, he spoke to us first. He has shown that he believes in us and we believe in him,” Krak added.

From 2026, the team will start cooperation in engine production with “Honda”.

“We hope to create more incredible memories and achieve success together in the future,” Krak revealed his wishes.

Alonso is expected to become the first driver to complete 400 F1 races this season.

After the first four rounds of the season, Dutchman Max Verstappen leads the overall standings with 77 points, while Alonso is eighth with 24 points.