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Fernando Alonso is now one of the biggest names in the driver market yet to make a decision on their future.
The recent announcements of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz have put additional spotlight on Alonso and Aston Martin, who are yet to make a commitment for the 2027 season.
Throughout this year’s campaign, Alonso has insisted there is no rush to reach an agreement – with the Spaniard instead focusing on Aston Martin’s trajectory after a disastrous start to the new regulations.
However, with updates intensifying at the British team, the Double World Champion is getting closer to putting his signature on a new contract.
Alonso confirms contract talks this weekend
At 45 years of age, Alonso is the oldest driver in Formula 1 – which inevitably means questions are asked about how much longer he can continue on the grid.
However, Alonso has no doubts that he is capable of performing at a high level. Considering his consistent pace since returning to F1 in 2021, there is no reason to suggest he cannot race for another few seasons.
This is certainly Alonso’s perspective, as he rejects suggestions that physical limitations will decide his career. Aston Martin are also confident in his abilities, regardless of age, with team principal Adrian Newey intent on keeping the Spaniard for 2027.
In reality, the most important factor in deciding Alonso’s future will be Aston Martin and Honda’s level of competitiveness.
After the massive step forward from the AMR26 in Hungary, the 45-year-old’s chances of extending his contract increased massively. Indeed, the expectation is that Alonso races on the grid in 2027 with Aston Martin.
In his comments to the media in Zandvoort, he even suggested signing a multi-year extension:
“I know Lawrence is coming this weekend. So I will have a nice lunch with him or coffee, and maybe Monza – I don’t know when he’s coming next.
“I will have to go to the factory soon as well to do Madrid simulators, so maybe if Lawrence is around or Adrian, I will sit also with them. So maybe in the next weeks
“F1 is, it has been, and it will be always my life, and my heart is here. I will be with in this team in one role or in another for the long term.
“So it is not about myself, or about who is driving next year – or if I’m driving next year or three more years. I don’t know.
“It’s (about) sitting with Lawrence and with Adrian, and if needs for the team is for me to drive, I will consider, I will be happy. If I can be more valuable in another position, I will consider – and I will be happy as well.”
All eyes on Honda
There have been various estimates about how much performance Honda’s upgrade will unlock this weekend. The general consensus is that another 15-30 horsepower (2.5-5 tenths) are realistic targets.
Of course, Honda have no interest in raising expectations and putting themselves in a position to fall short.
Still, regardless of external pressures, Alonso’s future will be impacted by the success of the Japanese manufacturer’s update. To be clear, he is still expected to sign a new deal – even if the new power unit does not take the anticipated step forward.
With that said, a smooth weekend for Honda would largely incentivise Alonso to sign an extension that is widely seen as inevitable. After all, Carlos Sainz’s commitment to Williams is seen in the paddock as an indicator the door at Aston Martin is closed.
The question of how long Alonso will sign for depends on the Spaniard’s own motivation and his confidence in the Aston Martin project.
Given the options now available in the market, Alonso has the leverage to ask for a multi-year deal. Should he desire a two-year extension, there is no realistic scenario where Aston would object.
In fact, reports from Spanish outlet MARCA suggests an extension until 2028 is not the expectation.
But whilst this uncertainty persists, a retirement for the 45-year-old is essentially ruled out, as Adrian Newey and Honda work to overturn their difficult start to these regulations.
