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After signing Fernando Alonso to a multi-year contract, Aston Martin has extended its commitment to Formula One
Last week, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso committed his future to the Aston Martin team. The Spaniard believes that the team is building towards making a title bid for the 2026 season, with the help of their new partners Honda. Of course, it’s not Alonso’s first time working with the Japanese manufacturer.
The story continues. pic.twitter.com/DEtb4R2zxO
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) April 11, 2024
Now, the Silverstone-based outfit has declared its commitment to the team in the long term. As part of this recommitment, Aston Martin Lagonda (the parent company) has reportedly acquired a near-£20 million stake in the team. Lawrence Stroll, part-owner and executive chairman of Aston Martin, told The Times:
“Formula 1 has helped transform the nature of the business and give us the performance credentials and credibility by putting it into our road cars.”
He continued, “Not only has Formula 1 given us the 2.3 billion viewers that see a beautiful British racing green Aston Martin 24 weekends this season; it’s also brought us a much younger customer to Aston Martin.”
Could the British team launch a credible title fight in 2026?
Who could partner Alonso next season?
While Alonso has committed his long-term future to the Silverstone-based outfit, will Lance Stroll continue as his teammate? Of course, the Canadian driver benefits massively by being the son of the team owner, but Stroll has had his moments of brilliance throughout his career.
However, current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is without a seat next season. Can the team let his talent pass them by?
Additionally, Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe has recently expressed his sadness at seeing the end of Honda’s partnership with Max Verstappen. Watanabe recently told Motorsport.com about his desire to work with Verstappen again, saying:
“I don’t think that day will come within a very short period of time, but if both continue their Formula 1 activities in the future, then we hope that we can work together again one day.”
He continued, “It is a very good relationship. We trust each other and also the Honda workers love Max. We are proud to work together with Max, so we will miss him in the future.”
With Honda and the British team partnering from 2026, could we see Verstappen make a move there in the future?
Feature Image Credit: @AstonMartinF1 on X
