Formula One’s Fernando Alonso to stay with Aston Martin next season

Alonso, the oldest active F1 driver, joined Aston Martin in 2023 and has taken eight podiums with them.Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso will continue with Aston Martin for at least another season after the ⁠⁠team announced an unchanged lineup for 2027.“I took my time to make this decision, but racing is my life, my passion, and I know I still have the ‌‌speed and determination to compete at the highest level,” Alonso said in a team statement on Tuesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4In FIFA-UEFA tussle, European body accused of ‘misinformation campaign’list 2 of 4What did Yamal say to Messi at World Cup final? ‘Thank you for everything’list 3 of 4Asian Games: South Korea volleyball team latest to be taken to wrong venuelist 4 of 4FIFA could disburse millions to members as Infantino seeks re-electionend of listThe Spaniard’s contract extension ended immediate speculation about his future and means the sport’s oldest active driver will race past ⁠⁠his 46th birthday next July.“I’m committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed,” he added in the statement.“I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities.”Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, will continue to partner Alonso for a fifth consecutive year.Alonso, who won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, joined Aston Martin in 2023 and has taken eight podiums and two second-place finishes ⁠⁠with them.This season has been a struggle, however, with the ⁠⁠Silverstone-based team having an uncompetitive car and a Honda power unit. They have scored just three points in 15 rounds, all from Alonso, and are 10th of 11.Alonso had been evaluating his position, saying in August that ⁠⁠he would consider other positions at the team if they saw greater value in that, but he also had other challenges ⁠⁠in mind, such as the Dakar Rally or ⁠having another go at the Indianapolis 500.“Age is not a problem. It’s just the motivation, the fun, what remains to be achieved,” he said.Lawrence Stroll said having two experienced drivers was of great value to a ‌‌team with title ambitions.“We are here to win, and whilst our short-term focus remains on improving performance, I believe we have the world-class talent we need to achieve our ‌‌long-term ‌‌objectives,” said the Canadian, whose son has been at Aston Martin since 2019, but has yet to win a race.