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Fernando Alonso admits his future in F1 beyond 2026 is uncertain, and he has already identified ways to continue racing that might even see him link up with his F1 rivals.
The 44-year-old’s time on the Formula 1 grid may come to an end this season, as he is set to be out of contract with Aston Martin this winter. Alonso last signed new terms that tied him down through 2026 in April 2024, when he had entered the final year of his previous terms.
Alonso does not want 2026 to be his final season in F1, especially after the difficult time that Aston Martin have endured so far this year. The Spaniard has registered their sole Grand Prix finish with P18 in Japan, having faced endless reliability issues with their new Honda engine.
Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Alonso has revealed that he has not held any firm conversations with Aston Martin about signing a new contract for 2027. Alonso even claims he is “not too worried” about leaving F1 if his time on the grid is up, as he can go elsewhere.
Prove us wrong, F1 will never quite recover when two-time world champion Fernando Alonso hangs up his helmet…
Fernando Alonso is speaking with his F1 rivals about joining up at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Alonso still dreams of winning the Dakar Rally after making a one-off appearance for Toyota in the 2020 edition. Oviedo native Alonso also does not rule out a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which he won twice for Toyota across his sole appearances back in 2018 and 2019.
READ MORE: The best moments of Fernando Alonso’s career in Formula 1
The prospect of Alonso returning to Le Mans with some of his current F1 rivals could also be on the cards. While he does not name who, Alonso says he is in active contact with other F1 drivers about teaming up at Le Mans – a race that a number of F1 drivers are keen to tackle.
Alonso told AS: “If I continue racing, I think it will be a better season than this one because the project will be in its second year. If I stop, I can compete in other categories.
“The Dakar Rally is a possibility. If I can win in endurance racing, F1 and rally-raid, [it] will probably be unprecedented. So, that’s very appealing.
“I might also return to Le Mans someday, so I’m not too worried about leaving F1. I’ll continue racing and remain connected to this team in the future in a different role.
“Returning [to Le Mans] isn’t in my plans yet, but if the opportunity arises, there are other F1 drivers who want to go to Le Mans in the future – and we’re in contact about doing it together.”
With Verstappen and Vettel open to the idea of joining forces at Le Mans, which driver completes your trio?
Alonso would draw a lot of interest from teams in the World Endurance Championship if he were to consider a return to Le Mans, which could even see him reunite with McLaren. CEO Zak Brown would “love” Alonso to drive for McLaren at Le Mans when they return in 2027.
McLaren F1 drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have both previously expressed a desire to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well. More recently, Red Bull racer Max Verstappen revealed his desire to win Le Mans – which he thinks could still be possible when he is 45.
Also, Mercedes star Andrea Kimi Antonelli would “love” to enter Le Mans with Verstappen one day. Audi ace Nico Hulkenberg is the only other active F1 driver with Alonso who has already raced at Le Mans, having won the endurance classic on debut for Porsche in 2015.
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