Last Updated on April 28 2026, 12:15 am
Fernando Alonso admits that retiring from Formula 1 will be a “very difficult decision” – The two-time world champion has admitted that walking away from Formula 1 will be “a very difficult decision”, as uncertainty over his future grows alongside Aston Martin’s difficult start to the season.
The two-time world champion, who is now 44, confirmed that he still feels competitive and motivated, but acknowledged that the end of his career is approaching. Speaking to the Automobile Club de Monaco, Alonso made it clear that, while retirement is inevitable, he has not yet decided when it will happen.
“I love what I do. I love racing. I drove my first race when I was three, and now I’m 44, so that means I’ve been behind the wheel for 41 years. So if I ever have to stop, it will be a very difficult decision, one that will be hard for me to make,” he said.
“Time will tell” as the contract deadline approaches.
Alonso stopped short of confirming when he might step away, insisting that the decision would come naturally rather than being forced by circumstances.
“Time will tell,” he emphasised. “I’ll feel it. At the moment, I don’t feel like it’s time yet. I’m still competitive and motivated, and I’m happy when I’m racing. So hopefully it won’t be my last season.”
His current contract with Aston Martin runs until the end of the year, so the coming months are particularly important. Although there is an expectation that the team would retain him if he chooses to continue, no formal contract extension has yet been confirmed.
This leaves Alonso’s future finely balanced between personal motivation and external performance factors.
Aston Martin’s struggles add fresh pressure
Aston Martin’s disappointing start to the season has intensified the conversation around his future. After the opening races, both Alonso and his teammate Lance Stroll are still without any World Championship points, which is a far cry from the team’s ambitions.
This lack of competitiveness raises questions about whether the team’s trajectory could influence Alonso’s long-term future. Although he has previously hinted at retirement, the current situation presents a different kind of challenge.
Off-track developments have added to the instability, with ongoing speculation surrounding the senior leadership and technical direction creating a sense of uncertainty within the project.
Martin Brundle has warned of a “horror show” season
Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle gave a candid evaluation of Aston Martin’s current performance, cautioning that the team could encounter a prolonged period of difficulty.
“They will improve to some extent, of course, but they are still three or four seconds behind. It’s like they’re in a different category compared to the top teams at the moment,” he said.
Brundle went further, predicting a “horror show” scenario that could persist throughout much of the season if improvements are not made quickly.
Such a performance gap would leave Alonso fighting well outside the front-running positions he has targeted since joining the team.
Why Alonso’s decision matters for F1
Alonso’s eventual retirement will mark the end of one of Formula 1’s most enduring careers. With over four decades in motorsport and a reputation for relentless competitiveness, his departure would remove one of the grid’s most experienced and high-profile figures.
His situation also highlights a broader dynamic in modern Formula 1, where even elite drivers must weigh personal ambition against team performance cycles.
Currently, Alonso remains committed and motivated. However, with his contract nearing its end and Aston Martin underperforming, the coming months could be crucial in determining whether his “very difficult decision” comes sooner rather than later.
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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.
