Formula One’s Fernando Alonso to stay with Aston Martin next season

Formula One’s Fernando Alonso to stay with Aston Martin next seasonAlonso, the oldest active F1 driver, joined Aston Martin in 2023 and has taken eight podiums with them.Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso will continue with Aston Martin for at least another season after the ⁠⁠team announced an unchanged lineup for 2027.“I took my time to make this decision, but racing is my life, my passion, and I know I still have the ‌‌speed and determination to compete at the highest level,” Alonso said in a team statement on Tuesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4In FIFA-UEFA tussle, European body accused of ‘misinformation campaign’list 2 of 4What did Yamal say to Messi at World Cup final? ‘Thank you for everything’list 3 of 4Asian Games: South Korea volleyball team latest to be taken to wrong venuelist 4 of 4FIFA could disburse millions to members as Infantino seeks re-electionend of listThe Spaniard’s contract extension ended immediate speculation about his future and means the sport’s oldest active driver will race past ⁠⁠his 46th birthday next July.“I’m committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed,” he added in the statement.“I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners and facilities.”Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, will continue to partner Alonso for a fifth consecutive year.Alonso, who won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, joined Aston Martin in 2023 and has taken eight podiums and two second-place finishes ⁠⁠with them.This season has been a struggle, however, with the ⁠⁠Silverstone-based team having an uncompetitive car and a Honda power unit. They have scored just three points in 15 rounds, all from Alonso, and are 10th of 11.Alonso had been evaluating his position, saying in August that ⁠⁠he would consider other positions at the team if they saw greater value in that, but he also had other challenges ⁠⁠in mind, such as the Dakar Rally or ⁠having another go at the Indianapolis 500.“Age is not a problem. It’s just the motivation, the fun, what remains to be achieved,” he said.