As a two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso had his fair share of wins and glory, lifting the ultimate trophy. But the Spaniard’s career is equally marked by seasons of drought and missed opportunities.
Alonso quit Formula 1 in 2018. But the Spaniard returned in 2021 to claim a third World title with Alpine. Unfortunately for him, that didn’t happen. Now, with Aston Martin – and the arrival of Adrian Newey – the veteran knows this might be his last shot at Championship glory. After that, the Aston Martin driver is considering retirement.
Fernando Alonso candid about his future as a racing driver
A regulation upset is not new for Alonso; he’s been in Formula 1 for 22 seasons, including the current one. He’s survived the engine switch, the hybrid era, and the ground effect era, to name a few. But the 44-year-old is aware that the 2026 regulation sweep will be the last he races under.
Fernando Alonso Opens up About Retirement and Why He’s Still Not Done
In an interview with AS, the Aston Martin driver was asked about his future beyond the 2026 season. Alonso alluded to a retirement should things go well:
“It depends on how I feel next year, how I feel physically and mentally. But I don’t know… If the car were good, there’s a high probability it would be my last year.”
Although Alonso is certain about the positive impact of Adrian Newey’s arrival at the team, he’d rather “leave on a good note” than keep racing in the following years. So, his future is contingent on the performance of the car next season.
Will Alonso have a fighting chance in 2026?
Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin has been a morale boost, giving the team hope of fighting for future championships. According to Fernando Alonso, the team is heading towards its best moment.
The Spaniard said, “In the factory [..] everything is focused on 2026, with a lot of excitement and a new way of working shaped by Newey’s guidance. There is a clearly upward path for Aston Martin.”
What Role Adrian Newey Will Play in Shaping Aston Martin’s F1 Future Alongside Fernando Alonso
Newey, backed by his team, has been the author of multiple championship-winning cars. He has an unprecedented career of building competitive machines. Naturally, there’s hope, and Alonso is banking on it.
The Spaniard has not always been lucky in F1, becoming known for joining teams during their toughest moments. It happened with McLaren, and it happened with Ferrari. But Aston Martin might be his last and best shot at the Championship.
In 2026, all teams will start from square one. Fernando Alonso might finally be in the right team, at the right time.
