Retirement is the last thing on Alonso’s mind
Despite enduring a nightmare season with Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso remains one of the most talked-about figures in Formula 1. Even at nearly 45 years of age, the two-time world champion continues to be linked with major driver market stories, with reports suggesting that his former team Alpine could be interested in bringing him back and extending his remarkable career in the sport.
However, while speaking to fans on the Fan Area stage during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona, Fernando Alonso also offered a fascinating glimpse into what his motorsport future could look like once his Formula 1 career eventually comes to an end.
One thing is certain: the Spaniard has no intention of hanging up his helmet for good.
No Indy 500 for now, but Dakar remains a major goal
“The Indy 500? No, at the moment it’s not something I’m thinking about,” Fernando Alonso explained.
The Spaniard famously attempted to conquer America’s most prestigious race on three occasions, competing in 2017, 2019 and 2020, but was unable to add the event to his impressive list of achievements: “As for Hypercar, I don’t know. I would like to do the Dakar again, and I would like to win it one day, simply because of the challenge itself,” Alonso continued.
The Asturian driver made his Dakar Rally debut in 2020 and immediately impressed by finishing an excellent 13th overall in one of the toughest motorsport events in the world: “The Triple Crown is also very appealing, but Dakar is as well because if I could win in Formula 1, endurance racing and rallying, it would be something unprecedented. That’s why I like the challenge.”
Alonso’s comments underline his enduring desire to test himself across different disciplines, something that has defined much of his career outside Formula 1. From the World Endurance Championship to the Indianapolis 500 and the Dakar Rally, the Spaniard has repeatedly sought new challenges beyond the Grand Prix paddock.
A Le Mans return with Max Verstappen?
While another attempt at the Indianapolis 500 does not appear to be on Fernando Alonso’s radar for now, a return to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans remains a possibility, particularly if it involves one specific teammate: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans was an incredible experience that I have already had,” Fernando Alonso concluded. “And who knows, maybe one day I’ll do it again, especially if I could do it with Verstappen.”
Alonso won the iconic endurance race twice with Toyota, triumphing in both 2018 and 2019 as part of his successful campaign to conquer endurance racing’s biggest prize. The prospect of teaming up with Max Verstappen would undoubtedly capture the imagination of motorsport fans around the world. Verstappen has frequently expressed his interest in endurance racing and GT competition, making such a partnership far from impossible in the future.
For now, though, Alonso remains focused on Formula 1. But if his latest comments are any indication, retirement is still a very distant concept for one of the most versatile and ambitious drivers in motorsport history.
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