Fernando Alonso holding major Aston Martin hope as F1 rumours grow

The Barcelona paddock is buzzing with rumours about Fernando Alonso’s future. 

However, it is important to keep in mind that the two-time F1 champion has not yet made a decision, and there is a long way to go before he does.

The current struggles of the 45-year-old Spanish driver and Aston Martin require little explanation, nor does the fact that this has sparked rumours regarding his future.

Although Alonso's contract expires at the end of this season, a continuation with Aston Martin is virtually guaranteed for him into 2027, when he will turn 46. The team intends to offer him an ambassadorial position, but the big question is whether Alonso wants to continue.

"We have the worst car and engine” Alonso summarised after qualifying for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Despite this, sources close to the driver suggest he is not planning to depart until he has raced in a true, fully Adrian Newey-designed machine. 

Since the British engineering guru arrived too late to influence the foundations of the AMR26, the first true Newey-designed car could be the 2027 model, though a small preview might arrive sooner.

The Silverstone-based team is planning a major upgrade package for the period before the summer break, which is already being developed under Newey’s direction. The B-specification car, expected to debut at Spa's Belgian Grand Prix, could serve as a guide for Alonso regarding 2027. 

If it brings meaningful, even if less spectacular, progress, it could steer the Spaniard toward staying. If not, he will have to consider various other options, one of which is a possible return to Alpine. 

Enstone for the fourth time?

Although it had already spread through the paddock during the Miami Grand Prix that Alonso could return to Alpine for a fourth time to end his career in Enstone, the site of his greatest successes, under the management of Flavio Briatore, all parties involved denied this possibility at the time. 

Since then, however, a lot has happened. For instance, the title sponsorship deal with Gucci has been finalised, creating a favourable financial situation for the squad. Furthermore, it must also be taken into account that the team highly likely wishes to please the luxury brand in every possible way - including signing a world champion.

 Knowing the close bond between the team’s impresario and the driver, Alonso could be the perfect solution for Alpine. At this moment, however, this scenario should be viewed as a valid option, rather than a done deal. 

It would be a great story if Alonso compete for the fourth time at the venue of his career's greatest successes, but Aston Martin is not in a position to lose their crown jewel. Therefore, Lawrence Stroll's team will likely mobilise serious resources to retain him, both financially and technically.

Alonso decided to leave Alpine and move to Aston Martin during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend in 2022. According to RacingNews365’s information, the driver’s camp once again considers the Hungaroring weekend ideal for making a decision. 

By then, Stroll's team can present a strong offer and prove, at least with the car's upgrade package, that the Silverstone project is not hopeless either.

Although the transfer has not happened yet, the paddock is already full of various scenarios about what can happen if the Spaniard decides to leave. Most people in the paddock agree that he would join Pierre Gasly at Alpine, replacing Franco Colapinto. 

Gasly is performing outstandingly, and according to RN365's information, he would welcome the Spaniard's arrival, as proving himself alongside and against the 32-time grand prix winner would also raise his own market value.

For Aston Martin, losing Alonso would be particularly painful, among other reasons, because under current circumstances, they could hardly find a driver of a similar calibre. 

According to our sources, earlier this year, they approached Charles Leclerc, who just confirmed his commitment to Ferrari before the Monaco Grand Prix. 

George Russell is also being mentioned in the paddock as a potential target; however, sources suggested to us that Esteban Ocon is also among the possible solutions. 

The Frenchman is fighting to remain at Haas, but in the event of Alonso's potential departure, Aston Martin could also be an opportunity for him. 

The French driver is a one-time Grand Prix winner and, furthermore, is known to share an excellent relationship and a close friendship with Lance Stroll, whose seat remains unquestionable.