Fans Back Alonso to Extend F1 Career Despite Aston Martin Struggles
Summary
Fans still back champion Fernando Alonso despite a points‑free start with Aston Martin. A RacingNews365 poll: 37.5% want him beyond 2026, 29.8% say it should be his last, 32.7% undecided.
Fernando Alonso still enjoys strong fan backing despite a rocky 2026 start with Aston Martin. A RacingNews365 poll finds 37.5% of fans want the two‑time champion to keep racing beyond this season, 29.8% say 2026 should be his last, and 32.7% remain undecided as they watch the team’s fortunes.
Why it matters:
- Alonso’s star power drives viewership and sponsor interest, making his continuation financially valuable for F1 and Aston Martin.
- Fans’ backing can sway contract talks, and a performance upswing under 2026 rules could keep the championship battle tight.
- His experience also aids team development, offering mentorship for younger drivers and technical staff.
The details:
- Poll: 37.5% want him to stay, 29.8% say 2026 should be his last, 32.7% undecided.
- Current form: 44‑year‑old sits 21st with zero points, two DNFs in three races.
- AMR26 reliability: vibration and Honda power‑unit issues have limited running; team joint‑last in Constructors’ standings.
- Team shift: Adrian Newey now serves as principal and lead designer, aiming to fix the car; Alonso will decide on retirement in September.
What's next:
Alonso will review his motivation and health in September, hoping the new aero package and Newey’s redesigns boost the AMR26. If reliability improves, he could still fight for podiums, keeping fans’ optimism alive.
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/fernando-alonso-backed-to-extend-f1-career-despite-ast...