Aston Martin man was convinced that Fernando Alonso was going to retire years ago

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Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa has revealed that he was convinced Fernando Alonso would retire at the end of the 2024 season.

Heading into the 2026 F1 season, much of the discussion surrounded whether Fernando Alonso’s 23rd year in the sport would be his final term on the grid.

The Aston Martin star is out of contract at the end of 2026 and has recently welcomed his first child, further fuelling rumours that he may call it a day on his active racing career upon the expiration of his current deal with the British constructor.

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Alonso previously took a sabbatical from F1 at the end of 2018, opting to focus on other categories of motorsport while secretly plotting his return with Alpine in 2021. While he has eluded the effects of his age since, his future in F1 remains a hot topic.

• READ MORE: Pedro de la Rosa says Fernando Alonso’s message to Aston Martin staff proves he’s a ‘great leader’

Pedro de la Rosa was convinced Fernando Alonso was going to retire in 2024

In an interview with Sport, Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa was asked for his thoughts on Alonso’s future in F1.

The Spaniard has taken up a front office role with the media in the current campaign, in an attempt to divert some traffic away from the Silverstone-based outfit’s disastrous start to the season.

One of the questions that was posed to de la Rosa during his chat with the Spanish publication was in reference to whether the two-time world champion would continue to race for Aston Martin.

“Hopefully, hopefully,” de la Rosa answered, before adding, “It’s everyone’s desire. But in the end, it will depend on him and his life and what he wants to do.

“I always say the same thing. We have to forget what he wants. What we have to do is give you the best car possible to make your decision easier.”

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He was then asked if he thinks Alonso has at least one more season in him, to which he replied, “I don’t know, honestly. With Fernando, I have learned, first, not to judge him and not to make hasty decisions. I thought Fernando was going to retire in 2024.

“In fact, I organised my entire calendar for that year based on the idea that Fernando was retiring. You have to be very present in the races because Fernando is unique, and I wanted to be with him.

“Then, after a few races, one day he goes and tells me that he is looking to renew the contract for two years. And I say, ‘But what stories are you telling me?’ … So, let’s enjoy race by race and not think too much about it.”

• READ MORE: Fernando Alonso has already shown that Max Verstappen will never win again if he takes F1 sabbatical

Fernando Alonso is still more than capable of performing to the highest level in F1 despite his age

Despite being the most senior representative on the F1 grid, it’s clear to see that Alonso is still very much at the top of his game once he is in the cockpit and his visor is pulled down, just ask Lance Stroll.

Figures inside the F1 paddock see it clearly, too. Nelson Piquet Jr, the Spaniard’s former teammate at Renault, identified how Alonso’s passion for F1 remains, highlighting how he is even more passionate for the sport than Lewis Hamilton.

Unfortunately, the 44-year-old’s list of accolades hasn’t quite reflected just how good he really is. Still, Jolyon Palmer believes Alonso reached a state that was closer to perfection than Hamilton during the peak of his career, despite being five titles behind him in championship count.