Retirement on the horizon for Fernando Alonso? Revelations of two-time F1 world champion. Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 career could soon come to an end.

In an interview on the *Chequered Flag* podcast, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso addressed the possibility of his retirement. From his statements, the Spanish driver seems quite resolute about his future outside the F1 paddock.

Fernando Alonso’s career has been one of the most remarkable in the sport. After winning two world titles — with the 20th anniversary of his first championship with Renault being celebrated in 2025 — his move to McLaren failed to deliver the same level of success.

Following five years with Ferrari, during which he twice came close to securing the championship, and four seasons with the Woking-based team, Fernando Alonso announced his retirement. Few would have anticipated his return a few years later. In 2021, Alpine, the team with which he claimed his first world championship, brought him back alongside Esteban Ocon.

However, Fernando Alonso’s most successful season since his comeback was undoubtedly 2023. He joined Aston Martin and, with a highly competitive car, finished fourth in the drivers’ standings. He claimed eight podiums that year: three second places and five third places, often ahead of teams like Ferrari and Mercedes.

The same level of performance did not carry over into 2024. Driving a car far less competitive than the AMR23, Fernando Alonso finished ninth overall, the highest-placed driver outside of the top teams. Still, during the season, following the extension of his contract until 2026, a piece of news emerged that could bring him back to the forefront: Adrian Newey, one of the most renowned engineers in the paddock, will start working with Aston Martin from mid-next year.

This addition to the team could genuinely propel Lawrence Stroll’s “green machine” to compete for top positions. Nevertheless, in his interview on the *Chequered Flag* podcast, Fernando Alonso revisited the topic of his potential retirement, setting a specific timeline.

“Expectations will be high because it’s a new change, a new car, a regulation shift, a car designed by Adrian Newey. Probably, 2026 will be my last season in F1 because my contract ends at the end of that year. Considering my age and my motivation, I’m not sure how things will go.”

“If 2026 goes smoothly, if we enjoy ourselves and there’s a chance to continue for another year, I’ll definitely be open to it. I’ll never be the one to close the door first, and I won’t start the year thinking about it. I’ll enjoy every second as if it were the last.”