End of speculation in Formula 1: Spaniard Fernando Alonso has announced his renewal with Aston Martin

Fernando Alonsotwo-time champion of Formula Onehas signed a contract extension to stay at Aston Martin for at least the next two seasons and thus put an end to speculation about his future.

Following Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes to race for Ferrari in 2025, the 42-year-old Spaniard, currently competing in his second season in Lawrence Stroll’s team, He has been positioned as a possible replacement in Toto Wolff’s team if he does not decide to definitively retire from F1.

But none of this happened and this Thursday a “multi-year” agreement was announced. “I’m in my best physical condition and I’m still hungry. “I will give my all as we continue our journey to becoming a world champion team,” Alonso said in the announcement.

The Iberian driver joined Aston Martin, from Alpine, to replace the German Sebastian Vettelwho then announced his retirement and now rumors are growing about a possible return to fill the vacant seat of George Russell’s teammate at Mercedes.

“We have built a strong working relationship over the last 18 months and share the same determination to see this project succeed,” said team lead Mike Krack.

Various journalistic versions had linked Alonso to a possible move to Mercedes. “We have had a constant dialogue over the last few months and Fernando was true to his word: When he decided he wanted to continue in motorsport, he spoke to us first,” Krack confessed. “Fernando has shown that he believes in us and we believe in him.”

Alonso won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006. He was absent for two years, 2019 and 2020, to compete in other series, including his participation in the Indianapolis 500.

“At the beginning of the year I said I would decide if I wanted to continue racing first and then I would sit and chat with the team,” said the rider. “From the moment I joined the team in 2023 I felt at home. In just 15 months we have already achieved a lot together, with some podiums and memorable battles.” .

Alonso finished on the podium six times in the first eight races of the previous season, as Aston Martin went from seventh to fifth overall in the constructors’ championship.