Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has never hidden his admiration for Fernando Alonso. It was under Domenicali’s leadership as Ferrari team principal that the Spanish driver arrived in Maranello, beginning a partnership that largely lasted until the Italian executive left the Scuderia.
There was considerable excitement surrounding Aston Martin’s 2026 project and what Fernando Alonso might be able to achieve with a genuinely competitive car. Unfortunately, the AMR26 has failed to meet expectations, and during his home Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona, the Spaniard made a comment that immediately concerned many of his supporters.
“This could be my last Grand Prix here at Montmeló,” Alonso said.
The statement does not necessarily mean that 2026 will be his final season in Formula 1. With the Barcelona circuit entering a rotation system alongside Spa-Francorchamps, the Spanish Grand Prix will not feature on the 2027 calendar before returning in 2028. As a result, Alonso’s comment may have been related more to the event’s absence than to any immediate retirement plans.
Domenicali: “I feel for Alonso, and I hope he gets his opportunity”
While 2027 could potentially become Fernando Alonso’s final Formula 1 season, Stefano Domenicali has made it clear that he would prefer the two-time world champion to remain on the grid for much longer.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper AS, the Formula 1 CEO encouraged Alonso to continue racing and expressed his hope that the Aston Martin driver will once again have the chance to compete in a truly competitive car before eventually calling time on his career.
“I have enormous respect for Alonso. He is a fantastic driver, and I suffer for him,” Stefano Domenicali said.
“I know how determined he is, and I hope he will have his opportunity, if he is given a good car, to show once again his talent. He commits himself fearlessly at every level. He needs the right project. Therefore, I hope he stays, not just for one more year, but for a very long time.”
Despite being 44 years old and set to turn 45 on July 29, Fernando Alonso remains a central figure in the driver market. Recent rumours have suggested that discussions may have taken place with Alpine as he evaluates potential opportunities to fight for more competitive positions in 2027.
For the moment, however, Domenicali does not even want to discuss the possibility of Alonso stepping away from Formula 1 or what the sport could lose when the Spaniard eventually decides to pursue other racing challenges.
“This is not the time to talk about that. I want to see him here for a long time yet,” Stefano Domenicali concluded.
Whether Fernando Alonso remains with Aston Martin or explores other options in the coming years, one thing is clear: his passion, determination and competitiveness continue to earn admiration throughout the Formula 1 paddock, including from the man currently leading the sport itself.
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