Aston Martin confident Fernando Alonso will stay beyond 2026

Aston Martin has moved to cool speculation over Fernando Alonso’s future, with chief trackside officer Mike Krack expressing confidence that the team can retain the Spaniard beyond the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Aston Martin backs Alonso amid difficult start

The team has defended its development approach, insisting it is working towards a significant upgrade later in the season. But the lack of immediate performance has fed speculation around Alonso, including suggestions that he could make a surprise return to Alpine.

Krack praises Alonso’s response

Krack made clear that Aston Martin still sees Alonso as central to its plans, while also acknowledging the strain placed on drivers when results fall short.

“If you look back a couple of one or two seasons ago, we said clearly 'he's here to stay',” Krack told media.

He added that Alonso is expected to make a decision around the summer break, but stressed that the team remains happy with its drivers and appreciative of how they have handled the current run of form.

“Fernando decided that around the summer break he will take a decision, and we're happy, with the drivers,” Krack said. “They are in this with us and also great credit to them, how they deal with it.”

Pressure on the drivers

Krack also pointed to the exposure drivers face when a team is struggling, noting that they are often the most visible representatives of a difficult performance picture.

“We spoke about this many, many times, that the drivers are the most affected, the most exposed to this,” he said. “The way they handle it is, hats off to the way they handle that. I have great hopes that we continue to work together.”

Retirement not on Krack’s agenda

Alonso remains the oldest driver on the grid at 44 and holds the record for the most race entries in F1 history. That naturally leaves retirement as one possible outcome if he chooses not to continue.

Krack, however, was unequivocal in his view.

“Fernando should not retire,” he said. “He is too quick.”

For Aston Martin, the message is clear: despite a poor start and growing outside noise, the team still wants Alonso in its long-term Formula 1 project.