Fernando Alonso has opened up about when he’ll decide on his Formula 1 future, as the two-time world champion prepares for his 23rd season in the sport.
With 425 Grand Prix starts to his name, no one in F1 comes close to matching the experience Fernando Alonso has built over his time on the grid.
Now 44, Alonso made his debut before more than a third of today’s drivers were even born. But as he faces another 24-race season, questions are starting to surface about how much longer he’ll stay in the sport.
During the latter part of last season, Alonso spoke about what’s next for him, suggesting that if Aston Martin provides a competitive car this year, it might be time to step away from F1.
The Spaniard seems eager to find out if he can still deliver results with good equipment. It’s also been suggested that if Aston Martin continues to struggle this year, he might push on until 2027.
Alonso Addresses Decision on His F1 Future
In a chat with Diario AS ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Alonso explained that while retirement is an option before 2027, nothing has been decided yet.
“I know what I’m going to do already. Or I have an idea. Then we’ll see if it happens or not,” he said. “But it’s not something I think about now either because it’s impossible.”
Fernando Alonso Planning to Hold Off on F1 Future Decision Until September
Speaking at the launch of Aston Martin’s 2026 F1 season, Fernando Alonso was asked when he plans to decide if he’ll continue racing in 2027. The Spaniard said that the decision will be made later than usual, due to the development expected this year.
Alonso is expecting plenty of movement in team performance during the early months, which will give him a better sense of his chances for success. Because of this, he wants more time before making up his mind.
The changes happening within Aston Martin may also affect his future. Lance Stroll’s contract is ending after 2026, and Stoffel Vandoorne is an option already under contract. But it remains to be seen what role Vandoorne will play moving forward.
There’s also the possibility that Nico Hulkenberg could join the team after leaving Audi at the end of 2025. Having another experienced driver like him could offer valuable leadership alongside Alonso.
If Fernando does step away after this season, Aston Martin would still have plenty of options for someone else to step in. And they’d be able to get a deal done early too if Alonso lets them know sooner rather than later.
Fernando Alonso says being the oldest driver on the grid is an advantage
During the off-season, there’s been plenty of talk about which drivers might benefit most from F1’s new regulations, with many pointing to intelligence and experience as key factors.
Alonso has long been considered one of the sharpest minds in the paddock, and he made it clear he wouldn’t trade his experience for youth at this stage of his career.
Speaking to Diario AS, Alonso said: “I’ve always said that if this were athletics or tennis, I’d rather be 25 than 40.”
“In the world of motor racing, if you’re physically fit when it comes to driving, you don’t have any physical problems.
“I much prefer to be 40 than 25 because I’ve raced on all the circuits, I know all the circuits, I know a lot about the regulations and about energy changes like the ones we’re going to have this year. I think I’d rather be in my position than be a rookie this year.”
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