Fernando Alonso Opens Up About Future F1 Retirement Plans Amid Tough Season
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has spoken candidly about his future in the sport, amid what has been the most challenging start to a season in his long and decorated career. Now 43 years old and competing in his 22nd season of Formula 1, the Spaniard is currently racing for Aston Martin in his third year with the Silverstone-based team. Despite enduring a difficult campaign in 2025 so far, Alonso is not ready to commit to an exit plan just yet.
Following his first points finish of the season at his home Grand Prix in Spain, Alonso addressed growing questions about his retirement. He revealed that his decision hinges significantly on how the team performs in the coming years, particularly as they gear up for a major regulation change in 2026. A key factor in this equation is Aston Martin’s recent acquisition of design legend Adrian Newey, whose reputation for building championship-winning cars is unmatched in modern F1.
When asked whether the 2026 car would play a crucial role in his decision, Alonso replied, “It will be a very important one, yes. Not the final one.” He stressed that his decision to stay or leave won’t come down to a single factor. “I need to see how next year starts and how motivated I am. Every season brings a different feeling—how competitive I feel, my physical condition, family life—everything has an influence.”
Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin runs until the end of the 2025 season, by which time he’ll be 45. Many assumed this would mark the conclusion of his storied career. However, the arrival of Newey has changed the landscape. With his wealth of experience bringing titles to Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull over the last three decades, there’s a renewed sense of optimism at Aston Martin. The team hopes Newey will give them an edge under the 2026 technical regulations.
Despite holding the unfortunate record of the second-longest winless streak in Formula 1—209 races since his last victory—Alonso insists he still finds joy and motivation in racing. “You need to feel when it’s time to stop, and I don’t feel that yet,” he said. “When I get into the car and stand on the grid, I’m happy and motivated. I know the stopwatch will eventually tell me when I can’t compete at the top anymore, or if physical pain makes it impossible. But that time hasn’t come yet.”
Even after a rough start to 2025, with his first points only coming after nine rounds, Alonso remains focused on pushing forward. “When I finish a race, even if the result isn’t great, I’m immediately thinking about the next one, about bouncing back. That hunger is still very much alive.”
Alonso and Aston Martin now look ahead to the next Grand Prix weekend in Canada, held at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve from June 13 to 15. As for retirement? That decision, Alonso says, will come only when he no longer feels fast—or happy. For now, both are still intact.
