Aston Martin share Fernando Alonso update as F1 future rumours intensify

Adrian Newey says he is "pretty confident" Fernando Alonso will remain at Aston Martin, as speculation surrounding the Spaniard's F1 future continues to build during the summer break.

Alonso's contract with the Silverstone-based outfit expires at the end of the 2026 season, and the 45-year-old has three options: Stay put, retire from F1, or seek a new home in the paddock.

It is anticipated the two-time F1 drivers' champion will make his final call in the coming weeks, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort looming as the first race back.

Alonso has not guaranteed he will still be on the grid in 2027, having told media at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix that "this is probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1," while stressing he treats every 2026 event as if it could be his last.

Reports have also linked Alonso with a return to Alpine, where he won his two titles in 2005 and 2006. Such a move would represent a fourth stint with Team Enstone, with Flavio Briatore supposedly keen to pair him alongside Pierre Gasly. Alonso, however, has played down those rumours.

The 32-time grand prix winner's decision will come against the backdrop of a deeply challenging campaign for Aston Martin. The team sits 10th in the constructors' standings with just a single point, courtesy of Alonso. The Honda power unit has been plagued with problems, and the chassis has underwhelmed thus far.

Yet there are reasons for cautious optimism. The Hungarian Grand Prix, while yielding no points, was widely regarded as the team's most encouraging weekend of the season. A significant upgrade package delivered tangible pace gains, with Alonso reaching Q2 for the first time in 2026 and the team's race pace shifting from backmarker territory towards the midfield.

Honda is also set to introduce an upgraded engine at the Dutch Grand Prix, which opens the second half of the season. It is a development that could provide a further step forward for the AMR26 as Aston Martin look to build momentum heading into the off-season.

So when asked at the Hungaroring how much of a priority it is to retain Alonso and how confident he is that the team will do so, Newey left little room for doubt.

"Obviously, Fernando is an amazing driver," Newey told media, including RacingNews365. "He brings huge amounts to the team, both in his feedback and his ability. So, for us, of course, it's important.

"I'm pretty confident that Fernando is enjoying his time with us and that we will continue with our relationship."