Fernando Alonso shares whether he’ll retire from Formula 1 if 2026 ‘goes badly’ for Aston Martin

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Fernando Alonso has raced in F1 well into his mid-40s with one goal in mind: to win another driver’s championship. The two-time world champion has recently hinted at his future plans if Aston Martin fails to deliver a competitive car for 2026.

Aston Martin are set to unleash Adrian Newey’s first F1 car under the brand of the British constructor in 2026, and Alonso couldn’t be more excited.

The widely renowned design genius joined the team mid-way through the current campaign, following his departure from F1 rivals Red Bull. Newey has wowed Alonso since his first day at the Silverstone factory.

Alonso has warned F1 rivals about Newey’s creation, highlighting the hard work that the 66-year-old is putting in behind the scenes to ensure that the Spaniard has the best tools at his disposal to challenge for a title in the upcoming campaign.

READ MORE: Best moments of Fernando Alonso’s F1 career including first pole, podium, win, title and more

Fernando Alonso hints at retiring from F1 only if Aston Martin builds a good car for 2026

In an interview with Spanish sports publication Diario AS, the two-time world champion addressed several questions about his future in the sport, after turning 44 years old in July.

When asked how motivated he is about the regulation changes in 2026, Alonso replied, “A lot, because I know it’s my last chance.

“It’s the differentiating factor. I saw the other rule changes simply as a change, hoping it would go well, and my team would interpret the rules correctly and have a fast car.

“But this one is different because it’s the last rule change I’ll experience, and it’s the last chance to try to win another Grand Prix, enjoy the good times, get on the podium, and fight for a championship.”

Alonso also notes that he must consider the prospect of Aston Martin developing the foundation that the 2026 car will be built on, adding, “I know I have a better chance of doing well in 2027 or 2028, when there’s stability in the group we have now with Adrian Newey and the others.

“They might do well in the first year, but by the second or third, they’re guaranteed to do well. But I have to consider it myself.

“If the car goes badly, there’s a chance I’ll stay for another year to finish on a positive note. If the car goes well, 2026 will probably be my last year.”

The 2025 season marks Alonso’s 22nd year as a Formula 1 driver. No one else has raced in more Grands Prix than the Spaniard, who made his debut in the sport before each of the six rookies in the 2025 season was even born.

READ MORE: Why Fernando Alonso’s 2001 debut campaign was the best point-less season in Formula 1 history

Fernando Alonso believes Aston Martin are ‘heading towards’ their best days in F1

Continuing in his interview with AS, Alonso was also asked about the direction that he feels Aston Martin are heading in. The Spaniard noted the difference in energy towards the current campaign and the future one.

“The team is heading towards its best form,” the Aston Martin driver claimed. “On the track, we’re doing what we can every weekend, and there’s some fatigue, a desire to finish the season to reset.

“But at the factory, it’s the opposite; everything is focused on 2026, and there’s a lot of excitement and a new working method based on the lessons Newey imparts. There’s a clear upward path for Aston Martin.”

There’s a lot of optimism coming from the 44-year-old about his chances of fighting at the front of the field next season once F1’s new regulations come into effect.

Given his stance on what the future looks like for him if the 2026 Aston Martin is competitive, fans of Alonso may be wishing for just one more season from the Spaniard.