Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 future is becoming increasingly uncertain, with Aston Martin already understood to have investigated preparations for a 2027 season without the two-time world champion. While Alonso has not confirmed his retirement, TJ13 has learned from within the Silverstone-based Aston Martin team that preparations for the possibility of him stepping away from racing have been examined.
The 45-year-old’s contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season, leaving his future firmly in his own hands. Alonso has repeatedly indicated that the competitiveness and driving characteristics of the next-generation Formula 1 cars will play an important role in determining whether he continues.
Speaking in Madrid ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso again refused to put a definitive timeframe on his decision.
“It’s mainly about understanding how the rules for next year will affect the racing and the driving itself. I believe – and I’ve said this many times before – that the current cars don’t exactly offer the greatest driving pleasure,” Alonso explained.
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Alonso waiting to assess 2027 regulations
The introduction of the new technical regulations has therefore become a major factor in Alonso’s thinking. The Spaniard wants to understand whether the next generation of cars will deliver the level of performance and driving enjoyment required to convince him to continue.
Alonso said he hopes Formula 1 will “take a step in the right direction next year”, but acknowledged that he must also assess his wider options before deciding what comes next.
He said he needs to “consider what the best program for the coming year is”, leaving open the possibility of continuing his career outside Formula 1.
The veteran added: “And I need to sit down with the team to decide whether I will continue to be at the wheel or take on a different role – that is the most important decision we have to make together.”
That comment is particularly significant given what TJ13 understands is already being considered internally at Aston Martin.
Aston Martin has examined life after Alonso
TJ13 has learned from sources within the Silverstone-based Aston Martin operation that preparations surrounding the possibility of Alonso not racing for the team in 2027 have been investigated.
That does not mean Aston Martin has been told that Alonso is retiring, nor does it represent a final decision from either side. However, the fact that the scenario has been examined underlines how seriously the team is preparing for the possibility that its veteran driver could step away from a Formula 1 cockpit at the end of this season.
Alonso himself has also made clear that retirement from Formula 1 would not necessarily mean an end to his relationship with Aston Martin.
The Spaniard has previously indicated that he could potentially continue working with the organisation in another capacity, while also considering opportunities in other categories of motorsport.
Alonso leaves door open to different Aston Martin role
Alonso confirmed that he could potentially drive for Aston Martin in another championship, including the World Endurance Championship, should his Formula 1 career come to an end.
That possibility would allow the Spaniard to remain involved with the Aston Martin project while moving away from the demands of a full Formula 1 campaign.
For Aston Martin, meanwhile, the uncertainty creates an important strategic question as the team continues its long-term transformation under Adrian Newey and prepares for Honda’s works power-unit partnership.
Alonso remains focused on the immediate challenge in Madrid, where Formula 1 is holding a second Spanish event alongside the traditional Barcelona race.
“This will be a great weekend, we have the privilege of racing twice in Spain,” Alonso said. “Madrid is one of the best cities in the world. To host a Grand Prix and welcome Formula 1 here is simply fantastic. A victory in Madrid would mean a great deal to any racing driver. And probably even more to me.”
Alonso realistic about Aston Martin’s chances
Despite the significance of racing in Spain again, Alonso does not expect Aston Martin to challenge for victory in Madrid this year.
“It would be nice, but it won’t happen this year,” Alonso predicted.
“But yes, we are aware of that and are working on putting together a more competitive overall package to have that possibility in the future.”
The comments underline the wider dilemma facing Alonso. If Aston Martin can make significant progress under the new technical structure, the prospect of continuing may become more attractive. If the new cars fail to provide the driving experience he wants, however, retirement could become the more logical option.
For now, Alonso is keeping the final decision private. But with Aston Martin understood to have already investigated preparations for a future without him racing, the possibility of the Spaniard’s Formula 1 farewell is becoming increasingly real.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
