Aston Martin insider provides ‘crucial’ update on Fernando Alonso’s F1 future beyond 2026

Follow us on Google Discover

Fernando Alonso knows that his Formula 1 career is entering its final years, but when he will decide to retire is another question.

The two-time champion is in his third separate stint in F1 since he made his debut with Minardi in 2001. After taking 2002 out as a reserve driver for Renault, Alonso competed in the sport until he left McLaren in 2018, before returning in 2021 with Alpine.

Now with Aston Martin, the Spaniard is hoping to fight at the front again. He enjoyed a brilliant first season in Silverstone in 2023, grabbing eight podiums and finishing fourth in the standings.

But the team have not reached those same heights since then, after a regression in performance, currently sitting seventh in the standings with 68 points. Alonso and Aston Martin are banking on the 2026 F1 regulations to be a competitive force.

Adrian Newey will design the team’s car alongside Honda, who will replace Mercedes as Aston Martin’s engine supplier. Alonso has been astonished by Newey’s impact already and is excited to work with him, but 2026 could also spell the end of his career.

Aston Martin insider says the first few months of 2026 will be ‘crucial’ for Fernando Alonso’s retirement decision

Alonso is out of contract in 2026, and he will be 45 years old when it expires. He is determined to compete for podiums and race wins with Aston Martin next season.

But that could be the deciding factor in his future. Alonso hinted he may retire if the team can build him a fast car; he wants to go out on a high note.

It was rumoured that the Spaniard would announce his decision on his future in May next year. However, after being contacted by Grada3, an Aston Martin insider has ‘denied’ said claims and has not put an ‘exact date’ on when that announcement will be made.

“He’ll take it day by day, he’ll take his time,” revealed the source from the team. What Aston Martin means by that, it is ‘understood’, is that Alonso wants to see the performance of the car in 2026 and if he can compete towards the front.

The first few months of the season will be ‘crucial in the development path each team will take’. This is especially the case for Aston Martin, who have an exciting project with Newey and Honda, which they hope will bring success to Silverstone, and more importantly, in this case, to Alonso.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Who could replace Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin if he retires in 2026?

Pedro De La Rosa remarkably claimed that Alonso has not peaked at Aston Martin yet. At 44 years old, he has proven that he still can be competitive, but he is keen to take another step in 2026 and try and fight for another championship.

If Alonso does decide to call time on his incredible career, Aston Martin are already being linked with several options. Max Verstappen has been mentioned in the past, with it being rumoured that Lawrence Stroll had put a £1bn offer on the table.

George Russell has also been linked with Aston Martin amid his ongoing contract negotiations with Mercedes. The Silverstone squad want to make a statement on the grid in the future, and the Brit’s stock has never been higher with his impressive performances in 2025.

Honda are pushing to keep Yuki Tsunoda in F1, with Aston Martin reportedly being his ‘best chance’ to stay in the sport. He has been linked with a reserve driver role, which could see him replace Alonso if he retires in 2026.