Fernando Alonso is unequivocally the oldest driver on the grid; this year the two‑time world champion turns 45. After the 2026 season his contract with Aston Martin expires. The Spanish veteran has previously described the upcoming regulation changes as “a last chance” to fight for podiums, wins and maybe even the title. Depending on the success of the AMR26, this could be his final season in the pinnacle of the sport.
In the run-up to Aston Martin’s season launch in Saudi Arabia, Fernando Alonso spoke to the press. The Spaniard has toyed before with the idea of retirement, but this time he spelled out how he sees a possible final F1 campaign. “This first year with these new regulations will produce a lot of action and a lot of input and feedback from the drivers,” he told Reuters. “For the drivers it promises to be an interesting season.”
Alonso expressed his admiration for Aston Martin, which promises fresh impetus with the arrival of team principal and top designer Adrian Newey. “I’m very proud to be part of this organisation,” he added enthusiastically. “I don’t know if this will be my last season, but I plan to enjoy every second. And if I get to do another season, I’ll be happy with that too. We’ll see; I take it race by race.”
Hungry for success
“I feel very motivated and focused on the new regulations,” he added. “But Formula 1 is a dynamic sport. It changes every week. It’s not just about racing; there are also many marketing events and other off-track commitments. That means the battery can simply run flat over the course of the season. Let’s wait for these regulations first — we still need to see how much on-track action they produce. Those kinds of factors also play into my decision for 2027.”
In a later press release Alonso underlined that the team is indeed “hungry” for success. He praised the leadership of Lawrence Stroll and, in particular, Adrian Newey, also an F1 veteran and invaluable to Aston Martin. “With Lawrence and Adrian at the helm we have two of the most determined and competitive people I’ve ever met leading the team,” he said. “The past few years haven’t been easy, but we’ve learned a lot, and that experience always makes you stronger. Everyone in this team shares the same hunger for success, and I’ve seen how much effort is put in behind the scenes.”
