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It’s an intriguing arrangement for a driver who has always looked on the other side of the fence for the best possible opportunities elsewhere, with some team changes not always working out in his favor.
But as he approaches 43, his contract with Aston could well be his last, and putting his deal into the regulatory era of 2026 gives him one last roll of the dice to win that elusive third world championship – or at least a return to victory.
Signs are mounting that Andrea Kimi Antonelli is destined to be Mercedes’ man of the future, therefore the one the Silver Arrows will sign for 2025 in case the 17-year-old Italian needs more playing time. cooking seems to join him as a temporary solution.
Watch: Alonso commits to Aston Martin with multi-year extension
Those words are anathema to Alonso, whose main motivation is to feel important and appreciated, having sought a long-term deal so he can help drive his way to a title in 2026.
“In my head, Aston was the logical thing for me to do,” he said. “I felt most wanted at Aston Martin, all other conversations were just light.
“I never came to any conclusion and maybe it needed more time or that sort of thing, whereas at Aston there was a clear desire to work together, which was the same as me.”
Red Bull is therefore working on a hugely ambitious program to build its own powertrains for the 2026 regulations, which at this stage seems a riskier bet than siding with the manufacturer they will replace at Honda.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is trying to assemble a team ready to topple Red Bull, including some of his former engineers. Add in a brand new headquarters, a new wind tunnel on the way and the strength of fuel supplier Aramco to deliver sustainable fuels for 2026, and perhaps Aston was always going to be Alonso’s best bet to break out of the pack .
“I was very clear with Aston in the early conversations that the attractive part of this project was everything we were building,” Alonso explained.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“For me, it was a necessity to enter new regulations with a new project, and also with Honda as a partner.
“We now have some incredible, technically talented people in the team who will benefit from the new wind tunnel and facilities at Silverstone, so there are many factors that have made 2026 very attractive with Aston.”
This will not only give Alonso a chance to close unfinished business with F1, but also with Honda.
But as Honda’s management teams have changed and time has passed, there now appears to be water under the bridge, with Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe saying last year that “if “We have to team up with Alonso again, as a driver we have no objection.” whatever it is, he drives.”
Fernando Alonso, McLaren MP4-30 Honda
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Just as he was given a second chance to make things work with McLaren over the past decade, Alonso now has the opportunity to rewrite his history with Honda.
Mentioning his unique Suzuka helmets and the samurai tattoo that adorns his back, Alonso was at pains to emphasize to the media that he has a strong connection to Japan.
“I have a very big love for Japan. I think the level of discipline and the level of commitment that they have is on another level, generally in Japan, but that is reflected at Honda,” he said. -he declares.
“I also worked with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship and I know this kind of discipline very well.
“Honda is definitely a very successful manufacturer in Formula 1 and in the world of motorsport, it’s a company that I have always respected.
“It didn’t work for us at McLaren in the years they came into this sport, but right after that they solved all the problems and they are currently dominating the sport.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing AMR24
Photo by: Shameem Fahath
“I think they will have a baseline for 2026 that is already very solid. We are going into the unknown, that’s for sure, but if I have to choose one by feeling, I will choose our project, our engine and our powertrain.”
At last month’s Saudi Grand Prix, Alonso promised he would take matters into his own hands and not let other players in the 2025 driver market dictate his destiny.
By being the first free agent to put his cards on the table, he has now kept that promise.
Alonso comes full circle. By staying where he is.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 team
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
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