Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso waving to the crowd at the 2024 Japanese GP — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

F1 champion tipped for shock contract extension

Fernando Alonso could continue in F1 beyond his contract that expires in 2026

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 2 April 2025 19:00

It's been suggested that Fernando Alonso could sign a contract extension with Aston Martin, despite the Spaniard having intimated that the 2026 season will be his last in Formula 1.

The two-time world champion is currently slated to have just a single season in an Adrian Newey-designed car with the team, as he looks to at least win his first race in over a decade.

Alonso endured a dismal start to his 2025 campaign where he failed to finish the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, and is last of all drivers in the current standings.

Article continues under video

Ralf Schumacher however, has claimed that Alonso could sign a shock extension with Aston Martin and remain in F1, despite speculation that he could soon retire from the team and the sport altogether.

F1 HEADLINES: Lewis Hamilton on the move as Ferrari confirm driver replacement at upcoming grand prix

Can Fernando Alonso claim a third drivers’ title?

The German referred to Brawn GP’s 2009 drivers’ and constructors’ championship victory in their first year of competition, where they shocked the world and sealed the title with Jenson Button.

Whilst Aston Martin cannot exactly replicate this feat, 2026 could similarly be a hallmark year for the team, with the new regulations and Newey helping them to championship victory.

“If that happens, Fernando could still benefit from it,” Schumacher added.

“Otherwise, I think it'll all be over for him by the end of 2026. He might stay in an advisory role, but not as a driver.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Aston Martin Fernando Alonso Adrian Newey Ralf Schumacher