Alonso signs multi-year contract with Aston Martin

After months of appreciable hypothesis round essentially the most skilled driver within the historical past of System One, Fernando Alonso has underlined his dedication to Aston Martin Aramco by signing a brand new multi-year deal.

Having left Alpine on the finish of 2022, Alonso joined Aston Martin firstly of final season. The pair loved a powerful begin to their collaboration, with Alonso having completed on the rostrum in six of the opening eight races.

Following this preliminary profitable interval, the Silverstone-based outfit was unable to maintain up with its rivals within the improvement race which noticed the staff slip down within the pecking order. Nevertheless, Alonso grabbed one other podium end on the Dutch Grand Prix, having proven nice efficiency within the powerful damp circumstances.

The Spaniard then endured a tough interval which included two retirements in Texas and Mexico, however he clinched one other podium end in Sao Paulo, having beat the faster Pink Bull of Sergio Perez with sensible defending ways. The 2-time champion ended the yr fourth within the Drivers’ Championship, having collected a complete of 206 factors.

Whereas the 2023 F1 automobile of Aston Martin excelled in race trim because of spectacular tyre administration, the AMR24 seems to be the other of its predecessor because it delivers eye-catching one-lap tempo in low-fuel configuration, however lacks race tempo. The problems with tyre administration has seen Alonso endure from excessive tyre degradation in races, which meant that he has failed to complete larger than P5 to this point this season.

The brand new contract will see Alonso race for Aston Martin for not less than two extra season, which additionally implies that he’ll stick with the staff when the game embarks on a brand new technical period. On the identical time, the Silverstone-based outfit will make the change from the Mercedes energy unit to Honda in 2026.

Increasing on his new contract, Alonso mentioned: “There was a lot mentioned and written about my future in System One previously few months, however at present I am delighted to announce that I am right here to stick with Aston Martin Aramco in a multi-year settlement.

“I mentioned firstly of the yr that I might determine if I wished to proceed racing first after which sit down with the staff. From the second I joined the staff in 2023 I felt extraordinarily at dwelling. In simply over 15 months we have now already achieved a lot collectively, with some memorable podiums and battles.

“I’m very grateful for the belief Lawrence, Martin and Mike have put in me and with Lance I’m excited to see what else we are able to obtain collectively. That is solely the start for this venture and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’m at my bodily finest and nonetheless hungry. I’ll give my all as we proceed our journey to turning into a world championship successful staff.”

Group Principal Mike Krack commented: “Securing Fernando’s long-term future with Aston Martin Aramco is incredible information. We’ve constructed a powerful working relationship during the last 18 months and we share the identical dedication to see this venture succeed. We’ve been in fixed dialogue over the previous couple of months and Fernando has been true to his phrase: when he determined he wished to proceed racing, he talked to us first. Fernando has proven he believes in us, and we imagine in him.

“Fernando is hungry for achievement, driving higher than ever, is fitter than ever, and is totally devoted to creating Aston Martin Aramco a aggressive drive. This multi-year settlement with Fernando takes us into 2026 once we start our works energy unit partnership with Honda. We look ahead to creating extra unimaginable reminiscences and reaching additional success collectively.”

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