Alonso announces deadline for his decision to race in 2027 or not

20:37, 14 Jul

Updated: 23:06, 14 Jul

byLuke-John Buckle

Fernando Alonso is the longest-serving driver on the Formula 1 grid, having made his debut in 2001. Now at age 43, the Spaniard's current contract with Aston Martin to race in F1 runs through at least 2026, with 2027 and beyond still posing a question mark.

Alonso's involvement with Aston Martin, though, edges further into the future as the Spaniard has stated that his collaboration with the British racing green coloured team stretches beyond his commitment as an F1 driver.

The two-time world champion is currently trying every trick in the book to push Aston Martin further up the grid.

He joined the team in 2023 and enjoyed a flurry of podiums during six of the first eight races, and a strategic miscue cost him victory in Monaco.

Despite the early optimism, Aston Martin hasn't built on their purple patch and slumped down the order over the last couple of years.

The British team sits eighth in the Constructors' Championship. Aston Martin is behind Sauber and Racing Bulls, two teams with significantly fewer resources.

Alonso will be hoping for a step up next year as the new regulations are brought in. The Spaniard will drive a car designed by Adrian Newey with an exclusive Honda power unit.

The 43-year-old explained via the official F1 website that he wants to make a decision on his future by the middle of next year.

Alonso said: “[Life beyond 2026 is] not in my mind now.

“The decision will be made next year, I think, around summer time or before to have things clear as soon as possible. Right now, the championship is challenging this year. We didn't start as competitive as we thought, and now we want to turn the situation [around]."

Alonso wants to go "step by step"

Aston Martin has scored points in each of the last four races but hasn't broken into the top five this year.

Alonso still wants to end 2025 on a competitive note ahead of the regulations overhaul next year.

“We want to finish the second part of 2025 as strong as possible. Then 2026, everything remains to be seen. Step by step, and [it’s] impossible to think right now into 2027.”