Fernando Alonso Confirms Retirement Plans A…read more
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has offered fresh insight into his future in the sport as he endures one of the most difficult starts to a season in his illustrious career. At 43 years old and in his 22nd F1 campaign—his third with Aston Martin—the veteran driver has confirmed that while retirement is on the horizon, it is not imminent. His recent remarks have come following his first points finish of the year, which occurred at his home Grand Prix in Spain, and amidst growing speculation about how much longer he will continue racing at the highest level.
Alonso, who signed with Aston Martin ahead of the 2023 season, remains under contract until the end of 2025, by which time he will be 45. Despite his age and the current performance slump, he continues to find joy and motivation in racing. When asked about his retirement plans during the European triple-header, the Spaniard pointed to the 2026 season—when Formula 1 will undergo a major regulation overhaul—as a significant factor in his decision-making process. “It will be a very important one, yes. Not the final one,” Alonso said, referring to Aston Martin’s 2026 challenger. He emphasized that the performance of the car and his motivation next year would be decisive elements in determining his future in the sport.
The presence of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, recently signed by Aston Martin, has added an intriguing dimension to Alonso’s considerations. Newey, who has engineered title-winning cars for Williams, McLaren, and most recently Red Bull, is expected to play a critical role in shaping Aston Martin’s competitiveness under the new 2026 regulations. With Newey’s proven track record, the team is optimistic about a resurgence, and Alonso may want to remain to benefit from this anticipated progress. “There is a different feeling each year,” Alonso explained. “You evaluate how competitive you feel, how motivated you are to keep fit, and even personal or family situations. All of these play into major life decisions.”
Although his current season has been underwhelming—only managing his first points after nine rounds—Alonso remains passionate about racing. He expressed that, despite poor results, the feeling of lining up on the grid still excites him. “I jump in the car and I’m just so happy to be there, motivated and performing well,” he said. He also acknowledged that, ultimately, factors like physical condition, health, or a drop in competitiveness might dictate the right time to walk away from F1. “The stopwatch will tell me when I’m not fast enough anymore. But so far, I’m happy with that. Even after bad races, I look forward to the next one.”
Alonso’s mindset remains clear: while the end of his career is inevitable, he does not feel it is near just yet. “You need to feel it when it’s time, and I don’t feel it yet,” he said. That sentiment reflects a racer who is still deeply connected to the sport, driven more by personal fulfillment than external pressure. However, he also concedes that this feeling won’t last forever. “All these things are very alive now, but there is no guarantee that this will be forever.”
Currently, Alonso holds the second-longest winless streak in F1 history, trailing only Nico Hulkenberg, with 209 races since his last victory. Still, the Spanish driver insists that his focus is on the short term—specifically, preparing for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve from June 13–15, 2025. As the F1 world watches and speculates about his future, Alonso remains committed to the present, determined to overcome a difficult season and find fresh momentum before making any final decisions about retirement.
