Alonso says 5-minute chat sealed F1 future beyond 46th birthday

Fernando Alonso says a simple five-minute conversation with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll sealed his plan to keep racing beyond his 46th birthday. The two-time world champion, who turned 45 in July, signed a new contract for an unchanged 2027 lineup that keeps Lance Stroll alongside him. Alonso is set to extend his record run of 440 Grands Prix since debuting in 2001, and is currently the oldest active driver. Despite this renewal, he acknowledged there are “no guarantees that 2027 will be more fun,” as Aston Martin has scored just three points in 15 rounds and sits 10th of 11.