“Alonso Considers Post-2026 F1 Plans, Promises Not to Hinder… Read More
Fernando Alonso has offered a candid view of his Formula 1 future, making it clear that his ongoing presence in the sport depends largely on his motivation and performance levels. While the two-time World Champion has confirmed his stay with Aston Martin through 2026, he remains open-minded about what happens beyond that season.
Alonso, who rejoined F1 in 2021 with Alpine before moving to Aston Martin in 2023, emphasized during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that he does not want to be a liability to the team. His current focus is on the immediate future, especially with the significant regulation changes and the arrival of Honda power units in 2026. However, the 43-year-old remains realistic and says he’ll assess his desire to race year by year rather than locking in a long-term driving commitment.
“Not at 50, but I don’t know,” Alonso responded when asked how long he plans to continue racing. “That’s why we kept things open. I wanted to drive in 2024 and 2025 for sure, especially to be part of the 2026 regulation change.” He noted that if his motivation wanes or if he feels he’s no longer fast enough, he’ll be the first to step aside for the benefit of the team.
Alonso stressed that he doesn’t want to “compromise” Aston Martin’s ambitions by staying behind the wheel if it’s not the best decision for the team. Nevertheless, he affirmed his long-term commitment to Aston Martin, even beyond his driving days. “My contract is much longer than my racing career,” Alonso said, explaining that he will continue with the team in another role when he eventually retires from driving. He added that contributing to a future championship win—even off the track—would still be a significant personal achievement.
Despite Aston Martin’s struggles to replicate their strong performance at the start of the 2023 season, Alonso maintains that he is enjoying the challenge of helping build a stronger, more competitive team. “When I left Alpine, I didn’t think I could fight for a championship there in the short term,” Alonso shared. “I knew my time in racing was limited, and I believed Aston Martin was the better choice.”
While he acknowledges the team is still a work in progress, Alonso is deeply involved in its development and sees the current journey as worthwhile. “We’re not the team of the present yet,” he admitted, “but I’ll keep giving my best to help achieve strong results as soon as possible.”
Ultimately, Alonso remains driven, focused, and committed to Aston Martin—on and off the track.
