Former Ferrari President Saddened by Alonso’s Struggles, Retirement Rumors Intensify
Luca di Montezemolo, former president of Ferrari, has voiced his sorrow over Fernando Alonso’s challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. With four races completed, the 42-year-old veteran has yet to score a single point for Aston Martin, raising concerns that this could be his final chapter in F1. The poor run of form has sparked speculation that retirement may be drawing near for the two-time world champion.
Alonso, who signed a contract extension in 2024 to remain with Aston Martin until the end of the 2026 season, had already hinted that this might be his last stint in Formula 1. However, his 2025 campaign has begun in the worst possible fashion, with disappointing results and reliability issues marring his efforts. His best result so far has been an 11th-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix—agonizingly close to scoring but still just outside the points.
The other three races have been even tougher for Alonso. In Bahrain, the season opener, he was off the pace and failed to make an impact. In Australia, his race ended prematurely due to a crash, and in China, brake problems forced another retirement. This run of poor form marks his worst season start since 2017, when he also endured a point-less stretch of races, though that season included his high-profile absence from the Monaco Grand Prix to race in the Indy 500.
What makes this year’s woes more troubling is the contrast with his teammate, Lance Stroll. While Stroll has not been a standout performer, he has still managed to collect points in two races—highlighting the fact that the Aston Martin car, while flawed, is not entirely uncompetitive. Despite a poor showing in Japan and Bahrain, with a best finish of 17th, Stroll still sits ahead of Alonso in the standings, adding to the pressure on the Spanish driver.
Alonso has been frank in assessing the shortcomings of the AMR25. After the Bahrain Grand Prix, he openly criticized the car’s handling in slower sections of the track. “The car struggles especially in low and medium-speed corners,” he explained. “You can feel it dying in the mid-corner. It’s something we were aware of last season, and sadly, the issue still hasn’t been solved.”
He admitted that the team had anticipated Bahrain would be tough due to the circuit layout but was quick to point out that the problems aren’t limited to just one type of corner. “We’re not just lacking performance in low-speed areas—we need gains across the board,” Alonso said. “Hopefully, the upcoming races will suit our car better, but right now, it’s extremely difficult to score points.”
When asked what the team should prioritize, Alonso emphasized the same area: “Low-speed corners are where we’re losing the most. In Australia, Japan, and China, we had the same problem. Bahrain was particularly bad. We’re doing everything we can. No one on this team is satisfied with the results—we’re pushing for upgrades as quickly as possible.”
Di Montezemolo, who led Ferrari during Alonso’s tenure at the Scuderia from 2010 to 2014, expressed his disappointment at seeing a driver of Alonso’s talent languishing in the midfield. Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, he remarked, “It breaks my heart to see Fernando in this position. He’s a fantastic friend and an extraordinary champion. He deserves better than what he’s got right now.”
The Italian businessman added that he hopes Aston Martin can provide Alonso with a more competitive car in 2026, which could potentially be the swan song of his illustrious career. While Alonso has not confirmed when he will retire, many insiders—including di Montezemolo—believe the countdown has begun.
The situation is bittersweet for fans of the Spanish driver. After a remarkable resurgence with Aston Martin in 2023 that saw him collect multiple podiums and re-establish himself as a top-tier competitor, the 2025 season has so far brought nothing but frustration. Yet, Alonso remains motivated and determined to fight on, even if the odds appear stacked against him.
Supporters are holding onto hope that the team can make progress in the upcoming rounds. With the European leg of the season approaching, there’s still time for Aston Martin to deliver performance updates that could help Alonso rediscover his form. Whether or not he can chase that elusive 33rd career victory remains uncertain—but few would doubt his commitment to trying.
For now, the focus shifts to the next race weekend. Alonso’s determination is unwavering, but the F1 world continues to speculate: will 2025 be the final season for one of the sport’s most enduring and beloved figures?
