Aston Martin has had to address rumors about Fernando Alonso possibly leaving for Alpine. As we reported in Grada3 a few months ago, the return of Flavio Briatore to Alpine was going to spark all kinds of speculation. Because yes, because the Italian wants to count on the Asturian so that both can enjoy their final stage in F1, but the Oviedo native has already stated that this would be practically impossible. Even so, the rumor resurfaced this past weekend.
Sky Sport fuels the rumor
David Croft, the well-known journalist from Sky Sport, broke the news in the middle of the race broadcast, saying that Fernando Alonso was negotiating his fourth return to the Alpine team, formerly Renault, to spend his last seasons alongside Flavio Briatore. The news spread like wildfire in the world of F1.
During the weekend in Canada, Fernando Alonso visited the French team’s garage more often than usual, which sparked rumors of a possible negotiation.
Aston Martin denies the rumors
The British team has had to respond to the rumors. First, it was the team’s ambassador, Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who posted a picture of Fernando Alonso’s father with Briatore, ironically pointing out that they had got the wrong Alonso in the negotiations.
Later, it was Andy Cowell, Aston Martin’s CEO, who came out to deny a possible departure of Fernando Alonso to Alpine next season, confirming that the Asturian will drive the AMR26.
“I am delighted that Alonso has committed to us for next year and that he will remain with Aston Martin in the long term as an ambassador.”
The CEO made it clear that Fernando Alonso’s experience and years in F1 have allowed him to meet many people in the F1 paddock.
“In any case, I am happy that Fernando is joining any garage, he knows a lot of people.”
New rumours about his retirement
However, Andy Cowell’s words hide a prediction about Fernando Alonso. The CEO only confirms Alonso for 2026 and celebrates that, from 2027, he will continue with the British team, but as an ambassador for the team, and not as a driver. Therefore, he hints that the Asturian’s last season could be next year. The Oviedo native’s retirement is getting closer and closer, and according to his boss, we could be looking at his last two seasons, this one and the next.
Returning to the topic at hand, Alonso to Alpine, Grada3 reported several weeks ago that Flavio Briatore would do everything possible to lure Fernando Alonso, and there is no doubt that if Fernando Alonso wants to continue driving beyond 2026 and Aston Martin does not give him a seat, the Italian businessman will call him again to join the team. But by then, Fernando Alonso will be 45 years old, on his way to 46, and his commitment to Aston Martin seems total.
Alonso has raced in three different stages for Alpine, winning his two world championships in 2005 and 2006. After a year at McLaren, he returned without being able to repeat his successes, and after his first retirement from F1, he once again returned to the team that led him to success before signing for Aston Martin.
Fernando Alonso will not be leaving Aston Martin. The veteran driver knows that the end is near and is fully committed to the team that could take him back to the top next season, giving him the third title he has been waiting for and deserves for so many years.