With Adrian Newey, the next big piece of the puzzle for future World Championship ambitions has moved to Aston Martin. With the signing of the Formula 1 design legend, it should be clear that the team from Silverstone can be reckoned with for the 2026 season, when the premier class will introduce new chassis and engine regulations.
For Fernando Alonso, however, it may be almost the last chance to possibly compete for a world championship title again. The Spaniard is under contract with Aston Martin until the end of 2026 and will be 45 years old at that time. But when asked about his future on the sidelines of the media Thursday in Baku, he said: “I will drive in 2026. And I will drive after 2026 too!”
He has left it open whether it will still be in Formula 1: “Either in Formula 1 or in other series,” he says. “If I’m not driving in Formula 1, I’ll be in the Aston Martin team somehow. So hopefully I’ll enjoy this bright future. And after that I’ll still be driving!”
When Alonso started his contract with Alpine in 2021, then CEO Laurent Rossi announced that the two-time world champion would remain involved in Alpine’s motorsport program after his Formula 1 career. The main plan was to work with the French team in Le Mans.
While these plans have evaporated after Alonso’s departure to Aston Martin, the Spaniard is said to have a future with the British team after Formula 1, as Aston Martin will compete in the WEC series with the Valkyrie model from next season. The car was designed by Adrian Newey, among others, which brings things full circle.
When asked about a future Le Mans participation with Aston Martin, Alonso said: “Yes, why not? I mean, the Valkyrie program for Le Mans is also taking shape. The debut will take place next year. And yes, who knows, maybe in 2027, 2028, 2029!”
Source: www.sport.de
