The 2-time world champion initially signed a 3-year deal with the Prancing Horse in 2009, that was to expire at the end of 2012, with an option clause from Ferrari to extend it for an additional 3 years. However, after a successful first season in the all-red race suit, Alonso convinced the Italians that he is worth another 4 years of contract, until 2016.
“It is a great pleasure to have renewed our agreement with a driver who has always demonstrated a winning mentality even in the most difficult circumstances,” said Alonso's most vocal supporter in recent weeks, Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo.
“Fernando has all the required qualities, both technically and personally to play a leading role in the history of Ferrari and I hope he will be enriching it with further wins very soon.”
In his first year at Maranello, Alonso brought the Scuderia back into title contention, even if only in the drivers' race. He ended the season in the runner-up position, despite entering the last race of the season as leader of the overall classification. After signing with Ferrari, he has been the only winning driver in the Scuderia lineup to date.
“I am very happy to have reached this agreement,” added Alonso, who stated plenty of times in the past that he fancies a career end as a Ferrari-an. “I immediately felt comfortable within Ferrari and now it feels to me like a second family. I have the utmost faith in the men and women who work in Maranello and in those who lead them: it is therefore natural for me to decide to extend my relationship in the long term like this, with a team at which I will no doubt end my Formula 1 career one day.”
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