Fernando Alonso Reveals F1 Future Amid Retirement Speculation

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso is 44 years old, and as he continues his already unprecedented career, there are growing questions of when he will stop manning the wheel.

Alonso is in his 23rd season, racing for an Aston Martin team that had massive expectations and momentum, but it is currently struggling even to finish races.

Aston Martin has built their own wind tunnel, formed a partnership with Honda, and signed the best car designer in F1 history, Adrian Newey.

However, the additions have not paid off so far in the 2026 season.

Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Aston Martin Racing driver Fernando Alonso (14) is introduced before the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Now, as a result of things not going to plan, Alonso’s future is in doubt, but the Spanish icon made it clear that he plans to continue racing.

“I love what I do. I love racing,” Alonso said. “I did my first race when I was three years old, and I am 44, so 41 years of my life I have been behind a steering wheel.

“So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept.

“The time will tell. I will feel it. At the moment, I don’t feel it is that time yet. I feel competitive, I feel motivated, I feel happy when I drive. So, yeah, hopefully not the last season.”

Alonso signed a “multi-year deal” with Aston Martin in 2024, though no information was provided on whether it extends into 2027.

Alonso’s hopes for the 2026 season

Alonso still believes in Adrian Newey and the race project as a whole. When things started to go awry all the way back at preseason testing, he still expressed a good deal of patience.

“We have a guy [in Newey] that after 30-plus years in Formula 1 has been dominating the sport all of those, so eventually we will have the best car,” Alonso said at the time.

“It’s a matter of time, but we want to have that as soon as possible.”