Despite a decidedly disappointing Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso once again demonstrated in 2024 that he remains one of the best drivers in F1. However, unlike the podiums of 2023, no prestigious results arrived this season, and it seems unlikely that things will change in 2025. Despite the relentless passage of time, the Spaniard is focused on the future—particularly 2026, the first season under new technical regulations and the debut of a car designed by the genius Adrian Newey for Lawrence Stroll’s team.
F1 2026: The Last Dance
A regulation change always presents a significant opportunity for teams playing catch-up, even more so when equipped with the budget, facilities, and personnel of a top team. This is particularly true for Aston Martin, given the substantial investments made by Stroll in recent years. Alonso, who will turn 45 in 2026, knows this may be his final chance to claim the elusive third world title, which has evaded him since 2007 during his tumultuous first stint with McLaren.
“I still dream, why not? I know 2026 is probably my only chance because 2025 will be extremely difficult, but I keep dreaming,” Alonso said in a lengthy interview with the BBC. “F1 is for dreamers, probably, because anything can happen. Expectations will be high with a new car, a regulation change, and a car designed by Adrian [Newey].”
The 2026 opportunity may come late for Alonso, but perhaps not too late. “Probably, at least to start, it will be my last season in F1 because my contract ends at the end of 2026. It’s the moment of delivery and truth. There are great expectations.”
The battle against time
What Fernando Alonso has shown in recent seasons is impressive in itself. In modern F1, there are no other examples of drivers performing at a high level past the age of 40 without noticeable decline. The Oviedo native, who will soon see Lewis Hamilton join him in the over-40 club, continues to make extraordinary feats seem routine. “The media remind me of some statistics and numbers now and then, but personally, I feel like I’m 25 or 30 years old and still racing in F1. I feel motivated, fresh, and fit to drive, doing the same training I’ve done for 20 years now, following more or less the same routine.”
Fernando Alonso credits his longevity to his dedication to the life of a driver. “My work ethic, training, and dedication to F1 have been quite extreme, and the results are paying off. I’ve never missed a testing session, a debrief, or a moment in the factory or training. I’ve never gone out partying too much. Maybe the results are showing now that I’m 40, but the foundation was built between 20 and 30 when you have to commit to F1 for a long time to achieve results later on.”
Why his motivation never fades
Beyond preparation, Fernando Alonso’s unwavering motivation sets him apart from most drivers over 40. The Spaniard explains why: “Because I’ve never had a good car that allowed me to dominate anything, apart from my season in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota (2019-20). That season, I realized how wonderful it would be to have a dominant car in F1 because you could achieve so much and drive as you wished.”
Reflecting on his two F1 world titles in 2005-2006, Alonso believes he won without having the best-performing car. “Throughout my career, I’ve driven cars that maybe weren’t the best at the time, even in my two World Championships. In 2005, McLaren had the fastest car, but their reliability was poor, so we compensated and won the championship. In 2006, performance was very close, but Ferrari and Michael [Schumacher] had too many retirements, especially in Japan at the end of the year, and I won the championship. I keep giving my best and stay motivated because every year, I still hope that it will be the season I have a fast car.”
The day of retirement
As Fernando Alonso’s comments suggest, he still sees a relatively long horizon before deciding to retire. Speaking about that moment, the Spaniard said: “My self-esteem will always be there until the day I no longer feel comfortable in the car. If I feel slower than my teammates or slower than I think is possible with the car, when that day comes, I’ll probably raise my hand and stop racing because I won’t enjoy it anymore.”
As mentioned, 2026 could be the right moment for Fernando Alonso to bid farewell, but the possibility of continuing beyond is not entirely ruled out: “If 2026 is going smoothly, we’re having fun, and there’s a chance to race another year, I’ll be open to it for sure. I won’t close the door beforehand. But I won’t start thinking about it; I’ll take each race as if it’s the last and enjoy every second.”
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