Fernando Alonso makes firm Aston Martin declaration in retirement evaluation

Fernando Alonso insists that he will be with Aston Martin "in one role or another", even if he decides to retire from racing in F1. 

The two-time champion, who holds a record total of 437 starts in the series, is currently evaluating whether to extend his career into a 25th season in 2027, or to call it quits at the end of what would be his fourth season with Aston Martin.

Following the poor start to the season, there have been flashes of improvement from the team and its Honda engine supplier, with Alonso claiming a season-best result of ninth in the Dutch Grand Prix last time out, tripling his points haul in the season to three from one.

Whilst the "ultimate dream" for Alonso is to join Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna as a three-time F1 world champion, he has conceded that the team is a "very long" way from being able to fight for the title, and that "maybe I am not behind the wheel" when it happens. 

However, Alonso has declared that in whatever position, he will be with Aston Martin "for the long term" as it tries to scale title summit. 

"I've said many times, the regulations are what it is. It's not the best, the most fun cars to drive, but still, my life and Formula 1 have been... it will always be my life, and my heart is here," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.

"I will be with this team in one role or in another for the long term, so it's not about myself or about who is driving next year, or if I'm driving next year or three more years. I don't know. 

"It's sitting with Lawrence [Stroll] and with Adrian [Newey], and if the needs for the team are for me to drive, I will consider it. I will be happy if I can be more valuable in another position. I will consider it, and I will be happy as well, but I need to drive something. 

"That's something for sure. I need to race. I need to feel the adrenaline. I'm a competitor, and I have other challenges in my head. As I've said many times, to win the Dakar one day or to try again the Indy 500, or whatever is coming next, and also winning in Formula 1 a third world championship, which will obviously be the ultimate dream.

"Is that possible? I don't know how long it will take to achieve that performance for this team; it's going to be a very long time. 

"Maybe I'm not behind the wheel, but that's something that is all in my head."