--- title: "Fernando Alonso Is Sticking Around in F1 for Another Year, but Should He?" date: "2026-09-29" modified: "2026-09-29" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/fernando-alonso-is-sticking-around-in-f1-for-another-year-but-should-he" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Fernando Alonso Is Sticking Around in F1 for Another Year, but Should He? ![MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 11: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team looks on from the stage prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Madring on September 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)]() *\Mark Sutton via Getty\* Fernando Alonso is a phenomenal [Formula 1]() driver, but his racecraft is even better than his raw driving skills. We've seen the 45-year-old design a strategy for himself during a race, and sometimes even for his teammates. Heck, he's even made pit-stop calls based on what he saw on the TV feed on the trackside screens set up for the fans. He's so good that his brain can compartmentalize driving an F1 car at the limit while focusing on everything else around him. And even with all that, it begs the question: is it time for him to [hang up his helmet]()? Is it time to retire? Not according to him, or his employer. This morning, they announced that the Spaniard is staying put until the end of 2027, officially extending his stay at Aston Martin Racing one more year. "I'm very happy to sign a new contract with Aston Martin," said Alonso in a statement. "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. "I'm committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed. I truly believe in what we are building: we have strong leadership, incredible people, partners, and facilities. I look forward to making more memories on the racetrack in front of the passionate fans. Their energy creates an atmosphere that inspires me and is what makes our sport special," he added. ![Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll ahead of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at Madring in Madrid, Spain on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto)]() **Jakub Porzycki via Getty** I'm not questioning whether the [now-father-of-one]() can drive or even whether he can win races. The answer to those questions is "duh" and "absolutely." It's really about whether he can accomplish anything meaningful, like break into Q3 at every race, constantly fight for points, score podiums, and maybe even sneak in a victory or two before turning five decades old. And unfortunately for him and his legacy, I don't see that happening this year, next year, or even in 2028. As things stand, there's a very, very good chance the 32-race winner will leave Aston Martin the same way Sebastian Vettel did: empty-handed and with a long list of disappointments. Alonso has much better visibility into the team's inner workings than I do, so he may truly believe the team can accomplish something in 2027, but I just don't see it. Do you? Should Alonso accept that a third championship is impossible at this point, and start a new phase at home with his wife and baby? Maybe it is time to actually enjoy all those hundreds of millions he's made throughout his career. It's obvious the team wants to keep him as long as possible, [hoping to see a small return on their investment]() before he retires, but what about Stroll? It's not like he's going to accomplish a lot on his own, whether Alonso sticks around or not. Perhaps it's time the team rethinks its entire lineup. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()