Fernando Alonso has revealed that his Aston Martin contract extension is set to ensure that he remains linked with the brand past his career with its Formula 1 team.
Aston Martin put an end to recent speculation with the announcement that Alonso had penned a multi-year deal to commit his future to the Silverstone-based squad.
Alonso’s choice to prolong his second stint in F1 will ensure that he competes with Aston Martin as it enters F1’s regulation overhaul with new engine partner Honda.
But the Spaniard, who landed eight podiums in his debut season with the side last term, has divulged that he’s committed long-term to the British automotive marque.
“It is a lifetime project for me in a way, this is the longest contract I’ve ever signed in my career,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.
“This is something that will keep me linked with Aston for many, many years to come, let’s see which role, how many more years I will drive.
“Even after driving, I will use 25 years’ experience in F1 plus 10 or 15 outside F1, so nearly 40 years [of] motorsport experience in the benefit of a team that gave me this opportunity now in this moment of my career. So this is also very appealing for me and I am extremely motivated for the next years to come.”
Asked to provide clarification that he had signed a deal longer than his intended F1 activities, Alonso answered: “Probably, yes, but I don’t know when I will stop driving.
“If I keep driving many, many, many years, I signed a contract that I will be on the car, but yeah, if I stop a little bit earlier than the contract driving, I will be in a different role.”
However, the two-time champion, 42, elucidated that he would continue competing in F1 over the next two seasons as he strives to land that elusive third Drivers’ title.
Pressed to expand upon details of the long-term arrangement that he has agreed with Aston Martin, Alonso replied: “I will drive for sure, let’s say.
“I think it’s difficult to really comment on it because I cannot predict when I will stop racing, or when I will grow tired of racing.
“For sure, it’s not going to happen 25/26 because, as I said, I confirm that one of the motivations was to enter the new regulations and to work with Honda.
“But I don’t know. Let’s put it like that. At least two more years. But then, as I said, I will not go into the specifics of how many years.
“But it’s a lot of years to come with Aston and to make some progress in other areas. And when I’m racing, I will do my best to win with this team and to be competitive, but I will feel the same if we can achieve some great things and success even when I’m not driving, and I can be and support the team to achieve great things, even in a different role, so let’s see.”
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