F1 NATION: Alonso’s Aston Martin decision and what it means for him – with Pedro de la Rosa and Damon Hill

Fernando Alonso is ‘here to stay’ at Aston Martin, after the Spaniard signed a fresh deal with the team to keep him onboard into 2026.

That deal – described by Alonso as ‘a lifetime project’ – ended speculation over his F1 future, with the double World Champion set to continue in the sport until at least his mid-40s. In a special episode of the F1 Nation podcast Aston Martin Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa and 1996 World Champion Damon Hill join Tom Clarkson to analyse Alonso's announcement.

READ MORE: Alonso on his new ‘lifetime’ Aston Martin deal, talks with rival teams and a Honda reunion

The gang assess what his decision means for him, the team and also the impact it will have on the rest of the drivers searching for a 2025 F1 race seat.

“It shows a great commitment from Fernando at his age,” says De la Rosa on the podcast. “But let's not forget it also shows a great commitment from Aston Martin for a long time in the sense that they are committing to a driver that's 42.

“They don't care about the age, really. We only care about performance. You could argue he’s peaking at this moment at his age.

“The last race we had in Suzuka was outstanding from Friday to Sunday. Looking at the data, how he was driving, inside the team, he was impressive. The guy is peaking. He's really flying.”

READ MORE: Alonso signs new deal with Aston Martin to end speculation over F1 future

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