Formula 1 News: Alonso Praises Relationship with Stroll, Hails Multi-Year Contract Extension as Positive for Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso has lavished praise on his partnership with Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll, labeling it the strongest he’s experienced throughout his illustrious Formula 1 career. The news of Stroll’s multi-year contract extension, announced ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, means the Canadian will remain alongside Alonso beyond 2025, as Aston Martin gears up for a significant regulation change in 2026, supported by Honda.
Alonso, who signed a new deal in April, believes the unchanged line-up will greatly benefit Aston Martin in its pursuit of becoming a genuine title contender. When asked about the extension, the two-time Formula 1 champion expressed his delight, stating, “> Yeah, great news I think for the team. Obviously, he was thinking a little bit on his future or whatever he was waiting for, but for us, I think it’s great news as he knows the team very well.”
The Spaniard emphasized the importance of Stroll’s familiarity with the team, having spent most of his career in the same environment, and his ability to identify areas for improvement. Alonso added, “> I think apart from a few years in Williams, he spent his career in this environment with the same group of people, and he can improve things knowing what was Aston in the past, what it is now, what things have changed for better, if things change for worse, he has all this background.”
Alonso and Stroll’s strong working relationship has been instrumental in helping Aston Martin understand its recent struggles. Despite the team’s challenging season, with upgrades failing to deliver anticipated gains, the duo has been in constant communication, working together to find solutions. Alonso praised Stroll’s dedication and commitment to his job, stating, “> Yeah, I think a lot, I would say. He’s a very dedicated person and committed person to his job. He’s doing a lot of work in the simulator, he lives in the UK, and that helps.”
The pair’s open and collaborative approach has been key to their collective improvement. Alonso highlighted their WhatsApp exchanges, including a lengthy conversation on Sunday night after Barcelona, discussing the team and car performance. He also commended Stroll’s willingness to learn from him, saying, “> We identified also last year and this year together with the engineers there are a couple of corners that he’s strong, a couple of corners that I’m stronger.”
As Aston Martin looks to bounce back from its current struggles, Alonso’s long-term commitment to the team, paired with Stroll’s contract extension, provides a strong foundation for the squad to build upon. With the team’s sights set on becoming a title challenger, Alonso expressed his desire to support Stroll even when he’s no longer driving, saying, “> I’m here in this team for a very long-term project in my life, in my career, and even when I’m not driving, I hope Lance takes the lead of this team, and I will support him even when I’m off the wheel.”
This positive news comes as Formula 1 fans eagerly anticipate the Austrian Grand Prix, with Aston Martin looking to make a strong impression as the season unfolds. For the latest Formula 1 news, Formula 1 standings, Formula 1 calendar, and Formula 1 today updates, stay tuned to our dedicated Formula 1 coverage.
🔗 Source