At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso remains one of the most imposing figures in Formula 1. However, after a season marked by difficulties with Aston Martin, the driver is beginning to look toward the future and the possible decision to retire.
Although his passion for the sport remains intact, Alonso has made it clear that the date of his retirement hasn't been set yet. Aston Martin's future in 2026 will play an essential role in this decision.
Fernando Alonso admits the rumors are true
Throughout his career, Fernando Alonso has been a reference both in Spain and internationally, standing out for his versatility and consistency on the track. After his return to Formula 1 with Aston Martin in 2023, his desire to keep competing remains intact.
Despite the difficult season he's experiencing, Alonso keeps his commitment to the team, which is betting on the next campaign. In 2026, the new regulations that will revolutionize the category could be the key for Aston Martin's future and Alonso himself.
The Spanish driver didn't manage to score points until the ninth race of the year due to several setbacks. In this context, he stated that being the oldest driver isn't a factor that makes him reconsider his continuity.
"You have to feel it when the moment comes, I still don't feel it," Alonso said in a recent interview with PlanetF1. For the Asturian, the car's performance will be decisive when evaluating his future in Formula 1.
The hopes of the team and Alonso are set from the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season. Fernando Alonso knows that the decision to retire must be made with caution. "I raced my first kart race at age 3 (3 years old), now I'm 43 (43 years old)," he said.
"For 40 years (40 years old), I've had a steering wheel in my hands and I know that one day I'll have to stop," he reflected. Alonso left Formula 1 in 2018, but he returned because he felt he still had something to contribute. "The next time I make the decision it has to be 100 percent certain".
Fernando Alonso talks about his possible retirement
Despite the results so far this season, Alonso says he's happy every time he steps onto the starting grid. "I feel happy when I'm on the grid, when I finish the race on Sunday, even though the results aren't good at this moment," he commented.
Fernando Alonso also made it clear that the stopwatch will be the one to mark the end of his career. "The stopwatch will also tell me when I have to stop," the driver concluded. Without a doubt, the expectations for Aston Martin for the 2026 season will be key for his decision.