Fernando Alonso is gearing up for his 23rd season in Formula 1, in which he will turn 45 years of age, with 20 years having passed since his most recent of two titles.
There have been 1,149 grands prix and Alonso has been on the grid at 425 of them. But the Spaniard’s competitive thirst remains undimmed even after a 2025 campaign that slid into anonymity amid Aston Martin’s entrenchment in the midfield.
However, Alonso and the team’s focus has long been on the 2026 regulations, with designer and now team boss Adrian Newey striving to steer the good ship Aston Martin towards its championship ambitions. Naturally Alonso has had thoughts of retirement and last year revealed his mindset when it comes to walking away from Formula 1.
“I’ve been chasing a competitive car and a competitive racing for many, many years, and if I have that I think it’s a very good way to close my career,” Alonso said. “If we are competitive, there is more chance that I stop. If we are not competitive, it will be very hard to give up without trying again.”
So, a fast Aston and a 2026 exit, or a struggle and a 2027 extension