Every time the Spanish driver speaks outside the circuits, it is inevitable that the end of his career will be discussed. Fernando Alonso turns 44 in July, while competing in his 22nd season driving a single-seater, one of the longest careers in the history of F1. Although the Oviedo native remains motivated and strong, he is not looking beyond 2026 and believes that there are many factors that could lead him to retire.
Fernando Alonso’s motivation
The most important factor for continuing to drive an F1 car beyond 2026 is personal. Fernando Alonso talks about motivation, about his desire to continue driving. The moment he feels he is no longer competitive, that he lacks motivation and that he no longer wants to participate in races, it will be time to end his career. For now, the Oviedo native is doing “what I love most” and “I feel motivated.” But next year, “I think I have to see how the year starts and how motivated I am.”
The new AMR26
This motivation will have a lot to do with the new car. Fernando Alonso dreams of becoming world champion again, and that will depend on the car. If Aston Martin is able to create a winning car, as they hope, the Asturian’s motivation will be at its highest and will push him to continue in the world of F1.
The team has equipped itself with everything necessary—technological and human—to achieve its goal. The arrival of Newey, the alliance with Honda, the new wind tunnel, the new factory. The ingredients are there, but now the final dish must be the desired one.
The team’s decision
We mustn’t forget Aston Martin, whose ambition has been priceless, but they may want even more, and this could come with the arrival of Max Verstappen in 2027. The Dutch driver himself has stated that he is eager to see the British team’s performance with Newey and Honda, a combination that led him to his four championships so far.
Alonso is no stranger to the fact that the team’s decisions could determine his fate. “I will drive as long as I feel fast and competitive and the team needs me behind the wheel.”
Despite this, Fernando Alonso knows that saying goodbye will be a very difficult decision whatever the circumstances, and he recalls his two-year break back in 2018. “I already stopped once in Formula 1 in 2018, and I came back because I needed to. So the next decision I make has to be 100% certain.” Knowing the Asturian’s ambition, that day will surely come without him being entirely convinced of the decision he is making.
There is no rush to retire Fernando Alonso: despite being close to 44, the Oviedo-born driver is still competitive, one of the fittest drivers on the grid, and prepares thoroughly for it. While his teammates take advantage of the holidays to rest and disconnect, he spends his time driving on his go-kart track or doing other motor-related activities, “I’ve been doing it all my life and I don’t know how to do anything else.” Fernando Alonso has one last chance to become world champion again. They say there is no better feeling than winning it for the first time, but 20 years later, on the verge of retirement, and when no one could expect it, winning this third title could be much more important than the first two.