Today marks exactly 20 years since Fernando Alonso first became a Formula 1 world champion. Now, his illustrious career seems to be gradually fading away. “We need to give him a reason not to retire,” says one insider.
“Fernando Alonso’s ability to hold his own in Formula 1 as a forty-something is impressive enough,” says F1 journalist Roger Benoit of the Swiss media outlet Blick, who has been following Alonso since he was a ‘rookie’ in the sport. “I remember being on the plane to Melbourne for his first Grand Prix in 2001, and Alonso had a thick FIA rulebook on his lap. I told him, ‘You’ll never memorize that before we get to Melbourne.’ But even then, I could see his passion. It has never faded.”
Marc Martín, a reporter for Spain’s TVE, also praises Alonso’s relentless drive for success. The almost painful lack of success does not harm the driver’s reputation, according to Martin. “Fernando has already meant too much in Spain. He really put Formula 1 on the map in our country and has been a world champion twice.” With a penetrating look, he continues: “Fernando is a legend in Spain. A pioneer. Like Seve Ballesteros was for our country in golf and Pau Gasol as a multiple NBA champion and All Star in basketball. He is a million times more popular in Spain than Carlos Sainz Jr.”
Whether he is also better is another question. Pedro de la Rosa dares to say it out loud. “Alonso is the best. I have never seen a driver who has been with a Formula 1 team for so long without a chance of GP victories and yet fights as if he does. His motivation and attitude are phenomenal. Just like his skills.”
The former teammate of Jos Verstappen is involved with Aston Martin and therefore knows what he is talking about. And perhaps De la Rosa is not entirely objective. But he believes in better times. “We need to make sure we give Fernando a good car. Then he can do anything.”
However, this does not guarantee that the Spanish fans will be able to enjoy Alonso in the upcoming season and beyond. At least, if we are to believe the main character himself. And we do. So, it’s time for Alonso’s own opinion. “I know that the moment will come when I have to stop,” he says. “With the new rules of 2026, everything will be better, I hope. But even then, I have to see how competitive I feel, how motivated I am. Family, private circumstances; everything plays a part in a major decision like stopping or continuing.”
He once quit, but the F1 retirement announced in 2018 was not as set in stone as thought. “I drove my first kart race when I was 3 years old. So, I’ve had a steering wheel in my hands for over forty years. It’s not nothing to stop, as I did in 2018,” Alonso assures. “So the next time I decide to stop, I have to be 100 percent sure.”
Journalist Benoit understands this attitude. “I get him, he’s reached an age where you know you’re not getting faster and so you have to make a decision. If Alonso notices that he can’t deliver what he wants… Then he could just quit.”
De La Rosa hopes that his compatriot and teammate will continue for many more years. “It will depend on us (Aston Martin) whether he wants to retire or not,” he says. “The car has to be good in 2026. We have to give him every reason not to stop. Because there is only one Fernando. And he is just very good.”
According to Martín, the character of the Spaniard will not be the issue. “Fernando is just as charismatic as before,” says the TVE reporter. “And just as shy. More than people realize. As a driver, race winner, and champion, he knows what he wants and needs, as a person he is modest. A beautiful person, whether he continues for one, two, or more seasons in Formula 1. Whenever Fernando’s career in Formula 1 ends, it has already been successful.”
