On the sidelines of the Formula 1 weekend in Azerbaijan, Fernando Alonso talks about his future: motorsport after 2026, but also Formula 1?
With Adrian Newey, the next big piece of the puzzle for future world championship ambitions has moved to Aston Martin. The signing of the Formula 1 design legend should make it clear that the team from Silverstone is a force to be reckoned with for the 2026 season, when the premier class introduces new chassis and engine regulations.
For Fernando Alonso, however, it could be almost the last chance to possibly compete for a world championship title again. The Spaniard is under contract with Aston Martin until the end of 2026 and will be 45 years old by then. But when asked about his future on the sidelines of the media thunder day in Baku, he said: “I will be driving in 2026. And I will also be driving after 2026!”
He leaves open whether it will still be in Formula 1: “Either in Formula 1 or in other series,” he says. “If I’m not driving in Formula 1, I’ll be in the Aston Martin team somehow. So hopefully I will enjoy this bright future. And after that, I’ll still be driving!”
When Alonso signed his contract with Alpine in 2021, the then CEO Laurent Rossi already held out the prospect that the two-time world champion would remain involved in Alpine’s motorsport program after his Formula 1 career. The main plan was to be involved with the French team at Le Mans.
While these plans have vanished into thin air following Alonso’s departure to Aston Martin, the Spaniard should also have a future with the British team after Formula 1, as Aston Martin will be competing with the Valkyrie model in the WEC series from the coming season. The car was designed by Adrian Newey, among others, which brings us full circle.
Asked about a future Le Mans participation with Aston Martin, Alonso says: “Yes, why not? I mean, the Valkyrie program for Le Mans is also taking shape. The debut will take place next year. And yes, who knows, maybe in 2027, 2028, 2029!”