What is behind Fernando Alonso's F1 contract delay?

Although the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the brand-new Madring looks to be an ideal opportunity to confirm Fernando Alonso's future in F1, RacingNews365’s sources indicate that the wait is set to be prolonged, and no announcement is expected this weekend.

Alonso's contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the season, and the future of the F1 grid's two-time world champion veteran has been a major talking point since the start of the season. 

Since the Silverstone-based team, which began using Honda powertrains this year, started the 2026 season with a performance well below expectations, numerous rumours regarding the driver's intentions and options have arisen in recent months.

One possible scenario was a return for a fourth chapter to the site of his greatest successes, Enstone, to Alpine, where his manager, Flavio Briatore, is once again at the helm. 

However, with Pierre Gasly under contract until the end of 2028 and the team having recently extended Franco Colapinto’s deal for 2027, this door has closed.

The 45-year-old driver has previously denied speculations about his retirement on numerous occasions, leaving the option of staying at Aston Martin and continuing to race for the green team in 2027, and perhaps beyond. 

As the number of possible scenarios has dwindled and there are no reasonable alternatives left on the driver market, it is logical that the parties are in no rush to make an announcement, especially considering that there is still a lot of work to be done within the struggling team.

The talks between the driver and team are also thought to be complex. It is a safe bet that following this year's extreme struggles, team owner Lawrence Stroll will compensate Alonso, who is treated as the crown jewel, with a pay raise.

But the duration of the extension is likely also a major topic in the negotiations. Some sources suggest a one-plus-one-year new contract is probable, while they are presumably also discussing what title or position the Spaniard could receive within the Aston Martin universe after retiring from his racing career.

Trust and loyalty in the middle of the struggles

In recent weeks, Alonso has openly declared multiple times that he plans to continue with Aston Martin, and these circles are saying that he is eagerly looking forward to finally racing in a car entirely designed by Adrian Newey. 

In Monza, the Spaniard once again emphasised that he is confident Honda can resolve its agonising problems.

“100%,” Alonso replied when asked whether he thinks the Japanese manufacturer can be as successful as it was recently as Red Bull's partner.

“I think it's a huge commitment from Honda.

“The facilities we have in Japan are one of the best. I think the personnel and the management of the power unit now has been reinforced on the set. A lot of people that were in the previous project, they are in again on this one.

“I think I have no doubts. I 100% trust Honda. We just need to shortcut somehow that process. Unfortunately we started with the wrong foot. 

“We started with this set of regulations not at the level that we wanted. But I have no doubts that they will get there.

“As I said many times, we don't want to wait five years like they did last time. We want to do it in two or three years maximum.”

Aston Martin is keen to keep hold of Alonso going forward, with the team's trackside officer Mike Krack outlining that it is respecting the Spaniard's approach. 

“The whole situation is clear. We know where we want to go,” he said.

“We wait, we respect Fernando requesting time to think and making sure that he's in a good place.

“With a driver with this much experience and this record, it's a matter of respect just to acknowledge that and to wait. 

“As I said before, I'm quite confident that we can find a good solution, and then we are strong for the future.”