The two-time champion reportedly demands a €40 million salary boost to remain with Aston Martin, a high-stakes move poised to trigger a massive domino effect across F1.
The Formula 1 summer break is often a crucial time in the season, as drivers and teams frequently use this period to make decisions regarding contracts or new signings. In the past, we've seen last-minute announcements during this time from teams replacing underperforming drivers or revealing a new driver for the near future.
This isn't the case for Fernando Alonso, but his future with Aston Martin is one of the biggest questions surrounding F1 in the 2026 World Championship. At 45 years old, rumors about a possible retirement are growing stronger in a season where the British team has had terrible results.
According to information revealed by journalist Marc Limacher, Fernando Alonso has reportedly made a salary increase a condition for renewing his contract with Aston Martin. The two-time world champion is said to have requested a raise to €40 million annually for a two-year extension.
This would represent a 10 million increase in the Spaniard's current salary under his latest contract with Lawrence Stroll's team, which he signed for the 2025 season with an option to extend until 2026. But Alonso's decision could have even more repercussions outside of Aston and impact the near future of other drivers on the current grid.
Why is Fernando Alonso's decision about his future important?
Fernando Alonso's decision regarding his future in Formula 1 could be decisive for the other drivers involved in the driver market for the 2027 season. Whether it's a renewal, retirement, or a possible unexpected team change, other drivers could be affected by the two-time world champion's decision.
For example, Carlos Sainz is one of the drivers whose future is uncertain after Williams failed to show the expected progress in recent months. Therefore, the Madrid-born driver was one of those mentioned as a candidate to replace Alonso at Aston Martin should he leave.
Another is George Russell, who, after being outpaced by Andrea Kimi Antonelli throughout 2026, could leave Mercedes to lead another project in the top category. Among other drivers, such as Max Verstappen, who have been linked in recent months with Lawrence Stroll's team.
Therefore, Aston Martin's decision regarding Fernando Alonso could have a direct impact on the future of other drivers and what might happen in the driver market. If Alonso decides to stay, one seat on the grid will be vacant for the next two seasons; however, if Fernando decides to leave or retire from F1, Aston Martin will have to enter the market to find a top-tier driver for their project.
