Fernando Alonso is reportedly in talks over a new Aston Martin contract worth €40 million per season that could keep him in Formula 1 until the end of 2028. The proposed two-year extension would allow the two-time world champion to continue racing until the age of 47, although neither Alonso nor Aston Martin has confirmed that an agreement is close.
Formula 1’s driver market has begun to gather momentum during the August summer break, although the latest speculation concerns contract renewals rather than major transfers. Max Verstappen has been linked with discussions over revised terms to remain at Red Bull beyond his current 2028 expiry date, while Fernando Alonso’s future has again become a major subject of interest.
Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin future attracts fresh speculation
Several rumours have surrounded Fernando Alonso during recent weeks, largely because of Aston Martin’s technical difficulties during the first half of the 2026 season. The Silverstone team entered the new regulatory era with major ambitions but struggled to translate its resources and technical structure into competitive results.
There was speculation about a remarkable return to Alpine, which would have represented Fernando Alonso’s fourth spell with the Enstone operation. However, the Spaniard subsequently indicated that an Alpine return was not part of his plans.
A further Aston Martin renewal has increasingly appeared to be the more realistic possibility, particularly after the team seemed to find a more promising development direction with the updates introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso has backed the revised Aston Martin AMR26B and the prospect of further improvements during the second half of the season.
Fernando Alonso reportedly requests €40m per season
Technical assurances that Aston Martin can at least return to regular top-10 contention in 2027, supported by an expected step forward from Honda, may not be sufficient on their own to convince Fernando Alonso to continue.
According to Marc Limacher, the author of the Business Book GP yearbook covering Formula 1’s commercial landscape and driver salaries, Fernando Alonso has asked Lawrence Stroll for €40 million per season to extend his contract by another two years.
If the proposed agreement were completed, Fernando Alonso could end his Formula 1 career at the conclusion of the 2028 season, when he would be 47 years old. It would extend one of the longest and most successful careers in the championship’s history by another two campaigns.
Spanish publication Marca has reportedly suggested that the agreement is already being finalised. A possible announcement has even been linked with Formula 1’s return from the summer break at Zandvoort, where the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend will take place from 21 to 23 August.
Why Aston Martin could justify Fernando Alonso’s salary
Fernando Alonso’s reported financial demand would represent a major commitment for Aston Martin, but it would not necessarily be unsustainable. His value to the team extends beyond his performances and technical feedback inside the car.
The attention generated by Fernando Alonso’s image, the resulting marketing opportunities and his ability to attract sponsors could help justify the salary from a commercial perspective. The Spanish driver remains one of Formula 1’s most recognisable and popular figures, with a substantial international following and particularly strong support in Spain.
Formula 1 and chief executive Stefano Domenicali would also be expected to welcome Fernando Alonso remaining on the grid for another two years. His presence continues to generate significant fan engagement at circuits and across the championship’s digital platforms.
For Aston Martin, retaining Fernando Alonso would also provide continuity while the team attempts to turn its investment in personnel, facilities, Adrian Newey’s technical leadership and the Honda power unit partnership into competitive results.
Fernando Alonso could become Formula 1’s third-highest-paid driver
If the reported €40 million figure is accurate, Fernando Alonso would become the third-highest-paid driver on the Formula 1 grid. The two-time world champion would reportedly sit behind Max Verstappen, whose salary has been estimated at €70 million, and Lewis Hamilton at approximately €60 million.
Fernando Alonso’s proposed salary would place him level with Charles Leclerc. However, the immediate priority for both Alonso and Aston Martin will be determining whether the team can provide a sufficiently competitive project to justify extending their partnership through 2028.
The improvements introduced in Hungary offered renewed encouragement, but the coming races will provide a clearer indication of whether Aston Martin has truly begun to recover. Until the negotiations are confirmed, Fernando Alonso’s future beyond the end of 2026 remains officially unresolved.
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