Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell has dismissed rumors of a potential retirement for Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard previously stated that he would only consider retirement if the British team returned to the top. However, according to Cowell, Alonso has not discussed retirement internally at Aston Martin, and conversations with the world champion have solely focused on the regulatory changes of 2026.
Fernando Alonso made his debut in Formula 1 back in 2001, and at 44 years old, he is the most experienced driver on the current grid. The Spaniard has a contract with Aston Martin until the end of 2026, and he previously stated that the significant regulatory changes next season will be the last he will experience in Formula 1. Whether the two-time world champion will indeed hang up his racing helmet at the end of 2026 depends on the performance of the British team.
Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell has not heard from Alonso about considering retirement at the end of 2026. “I have not spoken to him about that,” Cowell tells Autosport. “His conversations with me over the past year have all been focused on 2026. Lance (Stroll, ed.) did exactly the same, resulting in a painful season in 2025, but we are directing all our efforts and attention to 2026.” The team is currently seventh in the constructors’ championship, trailing Racing Bulls by four World Championship points.
‘Alonso’s age is his strength’
According to Cowell, Alonso still has a role to play at Aston Martin in the coming years. “I think Fernando is thinking about the end of 2026 and what he will do then, but we are doing everything we can to ensure that we are in the best possible position in 2026, 2027 and beyond,” the Brit continues. “Fernando has shown that he is a phenomenal driver. Age does not seem to be a problem for him. His age seems to be a strength.”
