The team wants its veteran champion to continue but is preparing for every possible decision.
MADRID, SPAIN
Pedro de la Rosa has confirmed that Aston Martin’s priority is to retain Fernando Alonso as a Formula One driver for the 2027 season. The team ambassador acknowledged that an alternative exists but emphasized that its immediate work remains centred on Alonso’s continuation.
The two-time world champion has not decided whether he will extend his career beyond 2026. Aston Martin is deliberately avoiding pressure and giving him time to evaluate the direction of Formula One, the team’s competitiveness and the regulatory adjustments expected next season.
De la Rosa argued that age is not limiting Alonso’s performance. At 45, the Spaniard remains fast, physically prepared and technically influential. Aston Martin believes his experience is particularly valuable while the organization integrates Honda, Adrian Newey, Enrico Cardile and its new technical infrastructure.
If Alonso retires from competition, the team expects him to remain connected to the project as an ambassador or in another internal role. De la Rosa described Aston Martin as Alonso’s home and indicated that the organization would adapt a position around him.
The team’s disappointing season has resulted partly from delayed preparation. Honda lost development time after initially leaving Formula One, while Newey arrived in 2025 and the 2026 car entered the wind tunnel later than intended. Aston Martin consequently chose to postpone incremental updates and concentrate resources on a major summer package.
That strategy delivered improvement but did not immediately transform the team into a contender. Aston Martin now believes its expanded facilities, technical leadership and accumulated development work provide a stronger foundation for 2027. Alonso’s decision will depend on whether that promise becomes visible performance rather than another long-term projection.
Experience remains valuable when ambition still moves faster than age.