Why Fernando Alonso could now be the key to Aston Martin pursuing Max Verstappen in 2027

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Fernando Alonso has made his Formula 1 plans for the future clear as he plots an inevitable goodbye at some point in the next few years.

The Spaniard has made it clear that he has no intentions to continue competing if Aston Martin fail to produce a competitive car heading into the 2026 F1 regulations. He still harbours ambitions of achieving a dream third drivers’ championship before hanging up his racing boots.

Alonso hasn’t been able to compete for race wins since leaving Ferrari more than 10 years ago. He has continued to demonstrate an exceptional level of skill on track, though. He also has bucketloads of experience, which should combine well with Adrian Newey.

Alonso’s retirement decision will come in 2026, according to an insider at Aston Martin. He has been patient with them over the last three seasons, watching on as their performance has steadily declined. Alonso was very frustrated in Singapore, but scored a strong result. He shows no signs of giving up.

READ MORE: F1 fans upset with Singapore Grand Prix official broadcast as ‘very sad’ Fernando Alonso point made

Fernando Alonso’s experience could be key to Aston Martin signing Max Verstappen in 2027

Alonso’s motivation is still strong to compete, and it’s something that has prevented him from ageing as quickly as other drivers. He has the most starts in Grand Prix history, and may even reach the 500 mark before retirement.

Finding his replacement will be very difficult. Aston Martin could pay Max Verstappen what he wants, but luring him away from Red Bull would be difficult. After all, they haven’t won a race since they were known as Racing Point in 2020.

And the reigning champion has made it clear that he wants to compete for titles wherever he goes. Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell’s latest comments about having an experienced line-up to develop their car in 2026 could suggest that they want Alonso and Stroll to put the car in a winning position.

That would then allow Alonso to retire, and the team to attract the services of Verstappen, depending on how he fares in 2026.

“I think I’m very fortunate, and we’re very fortunate, to have Lance and Fernando who have a wealth of experience until at least the end of 2026,” Cowell told Motorsport.com. “And that means we have drivers we can talk openly to about next year.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen must avoid joining Aston Martin after what Adrian Newey has just said about the team’s 2026 F1 car

Why Aston Martin have shown encouraging signs in the second half of 2025

Something that bodes well for Aston Martin is that, since a pre-season management reshuffle, they have begun to produce some better results.

Alonso went eight races without scoring a single point to start the campaign, but has now scored in seven of his last 10 weekends.

As a result, he’s up to 11th in the drivers’ championship, when it looked like he could be on for his worst finish ever at the start of 2025.

They have developed their car well under new guidance, and in 2026 under Newey’s genius, who knows how far they can go?