Last Updated on September 20 2025, 10:38 am
Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has once again raised the question of his future in the sport, suggesting that the 2026 season could mark the end of his career. In an interview with AS, the Aston Martin driver, who debuted in F1 way back in 2001, suggested that his retirement will depend not only on his physical condition, but also on how competitive Aston Martin proves to be under the sport’s upcoming regulations.
“It depends on how I feel next year, physically and mentally. I don’t know, and I don’t have a clear plan yet. If the car works well, there’s a good chance it will be my last year,” he said.
For the 44-year-old Alonso, the idea of walking away at the right time appears to be just as important as ensuring he does so with a competitive car.
The long wait for Aston Martin’s breakthrough
Aston Martin’s trajectory in recent years has been one of high expectations followed by uneven delivery. In 2023, Alonso shocked many by securing six podiums in the opening eight races, putting the Silverstone-based team in contention with Ferrari and Mercedes. However, development stalled in the second half of the season, highlighting the team’s difficulty in competing with Formula 1’s established giants.
The Spanish veteran has since tied his future closely to the team’s ambitions. Aston Martin’s decision to recruit Adrian Newey, widely regarded as the most successful technical mind in Formula 1 history, represents a significant change of direction. With Newey overseeing car design from 2026 onwards, the aim is to transform the team from one that chases podiums to one that can compete for the title.
However, as Alonso acknowledged, predicting competitiveness under new rules is almost impossible. “Perhaps Aston Martin has the best car. Maybe the team is just lagging behind again. A reliable prediction is impossible at this point,” he remarked.
Alonso’s logic is that a good car means goodbye, while a bad car means one more try
The paradox of Alonso’s situation is that his continued participation in Formula 1 could depend on how uncompetitive his car is. If Aston Martin delivers a strong package in 2026, the Spaniard intends to retire gracefully on a high. However, if the car struggles, he could stay on into 2027 in an attempt to avoid finishing his career in a midfield machine.
“I know I have a better chance of doing well in 2027 or 2028 if there is stability in the group with Adrian Newey and the others,” Alonso said.
“They might be good in their first year, but they’re guaranteed to be better in their second or third. But I have to think about myself. If the car performs badly, I might drive for another year to end on a positive note. If the car runs well, 2026 will probably be my last year.”
This is a typically pragmatic approach from Alonso, who has experienced more than his fair share of misfortune in terms of being in the right car at the wrong time. Few drivers have experienced the fluctuations in F1’s competitive order as dramatically as the Spaniard: he went from consecutive championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006 to near misses with Ferrari between 2010 and 2013, and then endured five painful years at McLaren during Honda’s troubled return.
The endurance of a 44-year-old champion
If Alonso does continue into 2027, he will be driving into his late 40s, which would be an unprecedented feat in modern Formula 1.
While drivers such as Kimi Räikkönen (who retired at 42) and Michael Schumacher (who returned briefly at 41) have extended their careers into their forties, Alonso’s consistency and competitiveness at the age of 44 already sets him apart.
Fitness has been a hallmark of Alonso’s longevity. His ventures outside of Formula 1, including the Indianapolis 500, the Dakar Rally and victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, have demonstrated his adaptability and sharpness, even against younger competitors. His Aston Martin teammate, Lance Stroll, who is more than a decade younger, has often been outperformed by Alonso, highlighting his continuing edge.
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Adrian Newey: Aston Martin’s great hope
Alonso’s faith in Aston Martin’s future rests heavily on one man: Adrian Newey. The legendary designer joined the team in March 2024, having left Red Bull, where his cars had dominated the hybrid era and beyond. Newey’s fingerprints are all over some of Formula 1’s greatest machines, from Williams’ active suspension cars of the 1990s to the dominant Red Bull RB19 of 2023.
“He’s unlike any designer I’ve ever seen. He’s very methodical, but also mystical at the same time. Brilliant,” said Alonso of Newey.
“He doesn’t have a clear plan; he relies on inspiration. And that’s fascinating to observe from the outside.”
For Aston Martin, recruiting Newey was both a statement of intent and a necessary gamble. The team has invested heavily in infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art factory in Silverstone. However, the difference between being a consistent top-four team and a genuine title contender often comes down to technical leadership. With Newey overseeing development for the radical regulation shift in 2026, Aston Martin hopes to finally join the elite.
The wider 2026 reset
The timing of Alonso’s reflections is no coincidence. Formula 1’s new engine and chassis regulations, which are due to be introduced in 2026, will be the biggest overhaul since the hybrid era began in 2014. Power units will feature a near 50–50 split between internal combustion and electric power, alongside sustainable fuels. Aerodynamics will also shift towards smaller, lighter cars designed for closer racing.
For teams, the reset offers opportunities as well as risks. History shows that regulatory changes can dramatically reshuffle the pack: Brawn GP’s 2009 championship victory was made possible by their ingenious double diffusers, while Mercedes’ 2014 hybrid dominance led to eight consecutive constructors’ championships.
Bolstered by Newey and a fresh approach, Aston Martin sees 2026 as its best shot yet at reaching the top.
However, for Alonso, the new rules could be a double-edged sword. If Aston Martin masters them quickly, he may be satisfied enough to retire. If not, he may find himself extending a career that has already spanned two decades.
Alonso: the retirement that never was
If 2026 truly is the farewell, it will be an ironic finale: a man who built his career fighting with uncompetitive machinery may only retire if he finally finds himself in a competitive car. Perhaps the statement is more a reflection of Alonso’s wily nature, a comment on irony maybe.
Alonso has realised that the only thing more elusive than a third championship is the perfect moment to say goodbye. Until then, the grid will continue to enjoy the sight of the relentless Spaniard charging into corners with his elbows out, defying both rivals and Father Time.
Whether Alonso retires in 2026, 2027 or later, his legacy in Formula 1 is secure. He is one of the sport’s most complete drivers and will be remembered as much for his tactical intelligence and relentless fighting spirit as for his championships. His longevity has enabled multiple generations of fans to witness his talent, from the duels of the Schumacher era to the podiums of the Verstappen era.
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A Brazilian motorsport writer with a background in sports journalism and broadcast reporting, Treze brings cultural insight and on-the-ground knowledge of South American racing. With credentials in communications and journalism, Treze connects today’s Formula 1 with the enduring legacy of Ayrton Senna.
A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.
