Alonso focuses on Aston Martin renewal but does not rule out Indy 500 or Dakar

Pontos principais

• Prioridade na F1: Fernando Alonso afirma que a meta absoluta é renovar com a Aston Martin e buscar o terceiro título mundial na Fórmula 1.
• Transição interna ou fora da F1: O espanhol conversará com Lawrence Stroll e Adrian Newey após as férias e não descarta assumir outra função na equipe ou disputar outras provas como o Dakar e a Indy 500.
• Evolução do carro em Zandvoort: Após atualizações na Hungria, a Aston Martin chega ao GP dos Países Baixos com melhorias no chassi e uma nova versão do motor Honda para tentar resolver a falta de potência.

At 45 years old, Fernando Alonso continues to prioritize extending his tenure with Aston Martin in Formula 1. The Spanish driver acknowledged that his immediate goal is to remain on the grid with the British squad, even as he leaves the door open for potential outings in other racing categories down the road.

Alonso has yet to confirm his plans for the 2027 F1 season. With his current contract set to expire at the end of 2026, a renewal with Aston Martin remains a distinct possibility. The two-time World Champion, who joined the Silverstone-based team in 2023, has endured a challenging campaign with an AMR26 that struggled for performance across the early rounds of the season.

Despite earlier frustrations over car performance, Alonso previously stated he would decide his future following F1’s summer break, giving the team time to introduce development packages. At the Hungarian Grand Prix before the shutdown, Aston Martin introduced twelve upgrades that showed initial signs of progress, helping Alonso advance out of Q1.

For the Dutch Grand Prix, Honda introduced an upgraded power unit specification aimed at addressing the output deficits that hampered the squad earlier in the year.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Alonso revealed he plans to sit down with team owner Lawrence Stroll and Managing Partner Adrian Newey to evaluate options for his future with the organization. While his primary objective is to remain a driver, he stressed a desire to stay affiliated with the team in whatever role suits them best.

“Although the current cars and regulations aren’t the most fun, F1 is and always will be my life. This is my absolute priority, and the goal is to fight for a third title. Age isn’t an issue for continuing; I just need to enjoy myself and feel the motivation to get into the car,” Alonso stated.

“I will speak with Lawrence [Stroll] and Adrian [Newey] next week and put myself at their disposal. If they need me to drive, I will do that. If they need me in another role, I’ll be there. But one way or another, I will remain connected to the team,” he added.

However, Alonso also noted that he remains open to competing in other disciplines if an F1 seat does not materialize, citing two major events he has previously contested.

“I need to drive something next year. If it’s not in F1, I’ll look for another category. I have many challenges and ideas in mind, like trying the Indianapolis 500 again or running another Dakar. I need to feel the adrenaline of racing,” he noted.

“At the moment, I’m not thinking about the future; I’m focused on this weekend. We arrived in Zandvoort with a new engine, chassis updates, and rain in the forecast. I understand the interest in what might happen later, but we must focus on the present,” Alonso concluded.

Formula 1 action continues at Zandvoort with Saturday’s Sprint race, followed by main Qualifying for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all track activities live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.

Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026

Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States

• United States (Eastern Time / ET)
  • Broadcaster: Apple TV
  • Sprint Race: Saturday, August 22 – 06:00 ET
  • Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 10:00 ET
  • Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. When does Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin expire?

Fernando Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin runs through the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

2. What caused Alonso’s early exit in Zandvoort Sprint Qualifying?

Alonso suffered from excess engine power delivery under braking and a rear wing malfunction that prevented DRS deployment during SQ1.

3. Has Alonso competed in the Indy 500 or Dakar Rally before?

Yes, Alonso competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 2017, 2019, and 2020, and entered the Dakar Rally with Toyota in 2020.