F1: Alonso Signs 2 Year Deal With Aston Martin, Honda Reunion In 2026

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion who ended Michael Schumacher's five-year championship winning streak, has put an end to speculation about his future by signing a multi-year contract extension with Aston Martin. The 42-year-old Spaniard, widely regarded as one of the toughest and most adaptable drivers on the grid, has confirmed that he will remain with the team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, making it the longest contract of his illustrious career.

Alonso's decision comes amidst a flurry of activity in the driver market, triggered by Lewis Hamilton's surprise move from Mercedes to Ferrari. Despite rumours linking him to seats at Red Bull and Mercedes, Alonso ultimately chose to remain with Aston Martin, citing the team's belief in him and his belief in the team's long-term project.

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 been in constant dialogue over the last few months, and Fernando has been true to his word: when he decided he wanted to continue racing, he talked to us first. Fernando has shown he believes in us, and we believe in him. This multi-year agreement with Fernando takes us into 2026 when we begin our works power unit partnership with Honda. We look forward to creating more incredible memories and achieving further success together."

The 2026 season marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin, as the team transitions from Mercedes to Honda power units under the new engine regulations. This reunion between Alonso and Honda is particularly intriguing, given their tumultuous history during the Spaniard's stint at McLaren from 2015 to 2017. Alonso infamously referred to Honda's engine as a "GP2 engine" at the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix, causing friction between himself and the Japanese manufacturer. However, both parties seem to have put their past differences aside as they embark on a new chapter together.

Despite being the oldest driver on the grid, Alonso continues to perform at an exceptionally high level. He recently proclaimed his sixth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix as one of his top five best performances in his 20-year F1 career, which has seen him become the most experienced driver in the sport's 74-year history. Alonso's adaptability and competitive nature have also seen him succeed in various disciplines outside of F1, including winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship with Toyota, as well as participating in the Dakar Rally alongside Carlos Sainz Sr., father of outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr.

As Alonso commits his future to Aston Martin, the team and driver look forward to a long and successful partnership that could extend beyond F1. The Spaniard has hinted at potential involvement in the World Endurance Championship and the Valkyrie hypercar project post-F1, as well as expressing a desire to participate in the Dakar Rally again. With his multidisciplinary racing credentials and relentless competitive streak, Alonso is poised to be a long-term ambassador for the Aston Martin brand, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in motorsport history.