Fernando Alonso, the oldest driver on the grid, looked set to contest for a top seat at Red Bull. While it remains too early in the season for movement on the driver market, Alonso switched things up with a new announcement coming out of the Aston Martin paddock. Alonso crushed any hope Max Verstappen might have had with Aston Martin.

Fernando Alonso made a two-year extension with Aston Martin. More importantly, the press release for it was only five words!

Fernando Alonso crushes Max Verstappen and Honda reunion hopes at Aston Martin

After endless rumors of Fernando Alonso’s future seat, the Spaniard committed to a future with Aston Martin. His five-word announcement certainly set the tone for his commitment to the team. The press release only said, “I am here to stay”.

According to the rumor mill, Max Verstappen was a leading candidate to replace Alonso at the team, if the latter left. This would have been a bigger deal, as talks of a multi-million deal with technical genius Adrian Newey were on the cards as well. Had it taken place, Aston Martin would have had a Honda power unit, Verstappen as the driver and an Adrian Newey-designed car.

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However, with Alonso’s extension, the chances of that look very slim. Lance Stroll seems firmly planted in the other seat, having retained it for the last few years.

Not just for the 2025 season

Another massive talking point will be Fernando Alonso staying beyond 2025. As fans may know, 2026 is the start of new regulations for teams. This leaves Aston Martin in a precarious position. On one hand, they have the mammoth experience of Alonso. It will be instrumental in taking on the challenges of the 2026 regulations.

On the other hand, needing long-term commitment to the regulations will be instrumental in securing Aston Martin’s development. While Fernando Alonso’s multi-year deal ensures he stays there at least till the end of the 2026 season, his future with the team after that is not known.

This throws a big wrench in the driver market. On a positive note for Alonso, an all-Spanish team with Carlos Sainz is still possible. That will only take place if Lance Stroll steps down.

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