Amidst speculation linking him with Mercedes and Red Bull, Fernando Alonso tells fans that he is to stay at Aston Martin.

At 17:00 (BST) Aston Martin issues an official statement that simply read: "I am here to stay", and was 'signed by Fernando Alonso.

The team subsequently posted the same message on social media while in a short video the Spaniard repeated the words... albeit with a dubious wink at the end.

Amidst claims that the Spaniard has agreed a new contract until the end of 2026 - the year in which the new regulations come into force, the official F1 website carries a quote from team boss Mike Krack.

"Securing Fernando's long-term future with Aston Martin Aramco is fantastic news," he says. "We have built a strong working relationship over the last 18 months and we share the same determination to see this project succeed."

While linked with Mercedes and, to a lesser extent Red Bull, in recent days there have been claims that a faction within Aston Martin have been pushing for the two-time world champion to be dropped, a situation, if it is to be believed, could only come from fans of teammate Lance Stroll.

In mid-2026, the Spaniard will be 45, almost unheard of in the modern era of the sport, furthermore remaining with Aston Martin will see him once again powered by Honda, their previous time together at McLaren having been something of a nightmare and one which led his to quit F1 for other disciplines for a couple of years.

"This is only the beginning for this project and I am proud to be part of it," said Alonso in a subsequent social media post. "I am at my physical best and still hungry.

"I will give my all as we continue our journey to becoming a world championship winning team."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 12/04/2024 13:17

"Lance could be headed to AML's sports car program if his fortunes do not improve. Hopefully AML can coax Vettel away from Porsche to be part of a Leman's effort."

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2. Posted by Chester, 12/04/2024 12:49

"@ Celtic Tiger, totally missed the Honda angle. I'd love another Alonso run at Indy.

I am not a natural Lance fan, but I do hope he can improve. Must be a very difficult mental situation for him. "

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3. Posted by kenji, 12/04/2024 12:14

"It's a pity that lance can't contribute more to the team's overall performance. Alonso is doing all the heavy lifting. Still he'll be earning a massive wedge so it's all good for the foreseeable future."

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4. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 12/04/2024 12:12

"This a plus for the team, they desperately need it. Stroll Jr. is out to lunch. As long as Aston Martin don't pull a McLaren and actually work with Honda to accommodate their engines, they should come out swinging. Also, if Alonso plays his cards right he may be able to try Indy again, this time with Honda power."

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5. Posted by Spindoctor, 12/04/2024 11:02

"Sensible move. He's undisputed top dog at Aston Martin. The switch to Honda power should hopefully cause no problems - their current PU is probably equal to the best in F1 & I see no reason to expect them to "unlearn" the lessons which have got them there. "

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6. Posted by Superbird70, 11/04/2024 21:13

"@BrightonCorgi- You can't have only one motivated driver. Larry must want to start winning some trophies soon. "

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7. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 11/04/2024 20:49

"@Superbird70 - Until Alonso is a regular winner or consistent podium finisher, Lance's seat is fairly secure.

"

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8. Posted by Superbird70, 11/04/2024 20:41

"Bye, bye Lance.
"

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9. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 11/04/2024 17:48

"The grass ain't greener for Alonso. He's in a good position at Aston Martin. He has more influence within the team than starting again somewhere else. "

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I'm here to stay says Alonso

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