Fernando Alonso Eyeing Retirement Again? ‘2026 May Be My Last Year in F1’, Says Aston Martin Star | Sports News

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso (X)

Is Fernando Alonso nearing the final lap of his Formula 1 career? The answer, by his own admission, may rest entirely on the car Aston Martin delivers for the sport’s new regulation era in 2026.

Aston Martin’s hope lies in the genius of Adrian Newey, widely regarded as the greatest designer in F1 history. With 26 titles attached to his work, Newey’s arrival at Silverstone has sparked optimism.

Alonso’s Retirement Calculus

At 43, Alonso admits the car’s competitiveness will dictate his retirement timeline.

“If the car goes badly, there’s a good chance I’ll stay for another year to finish on a positive note… If we are not competitive, it will be very hard to give up without trying again.”

However, he added, “If things go well, 2026 will probably be my last year. I’ve been chasing a competitive car and competitive racing for many years, and if I have that, I think it’s a very good way to close my career.”

A Storied but Unfinished Legacy

Alonso, once the sport’s youngest polesitter, race winner, and double World Champion, has not added another title since his Renault glory days. Spells with Ferrari and McLaren fell short, and his first retirement in 2017 ended with a comeback at Alpine. At Aston Martin, he rediscovered form in 2023 with eight podiums, but the shine has dulled since.

A Tough 2025 Season

The two-time World Champion has endured a frustrating campaign, currently staring at his worst championship finish since 2017 with McLaren.

A P5 at the Hungarian Grand Prix offered a brief highlight, but most weekends Alonso has been left fighting for the smallest points. He sits just 14th in the Drivers’ standings with 30 points from 17 races.

For Alonso, the dream of bowing out in a front-running car remains alive. Whether 2026 brings redemption or another false dawn may decide if one of F1’s greatest competitors finally takes the chequered flag on his career.