Aston Martin has expressed confidence that it will retain Fernando Alonso beyond the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Silverstone-based team has endured a difficult start to the campaign, fielding a car that has consistently languished towards the back of the field.
It has scored just one point in the opening seven races, but has defended its development approach as it targets a significant upgrade later in the season.
However, its struggles have fuelled speculation that Alonso could be on his way out of the team, with suggestions of a shock return to Alpine.
Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack has praised Alonso for the way he has handled the adversity this year, while signalling the team's intention to continue the partnership beyond 2026.
“If you look back a couple of one or two seasons ago, we said clearly 'he's here to stay'”, Krack told media including RacingNews365.
“Fernando decided that around the summer break he will take a decision, and we're happy, with the drivers.
“They are in this with us and also great credit to them, how they deal with it.
“We spoke about this many, many times, that the drivers are the most affected, the most exposed to this
“The way they handle it is, hats off to the way they handle that. I have great hopes that we continue to work together.”
Alonso currently holds the record for the most race entries in F1 history and is the oldest driver on the grid at 44 years of age.
With that in mind, the option of Alonso walking away from F1 entirely is also a possibility - but Krack hopes this does not come to fruition.
“Fernando should not retire,” he said. “He is too quick.”
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