Fernando Alonso is considering staying in Formula 1 for another year, provided he can compete at the front again. The Spaniard’s contract with Aston Martin expires after this season. At 44, Alonso is by far the oldest driver on the grid, but if he has the prospect of a competitive car next year, he might stick around for one more season. His hunger and passion for racing keep him young, as he explained during the race weekend in Japan.
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Alonso had initially set his sights on 2026. Aston Martin seemed to have all the ingredients to help the two-time world champion into a long-awaited title fight: a state-of-the-art factory in Silverstone, the designs of the acclaimed Adrian Newey, and a power unit from Honda, which won multiple titles together with Red Bull. However, it was precisely that last party that disappointed during the recent Grands Prix. Unforeseen vibrations in the drivetrain caused not only reliability issues and a lack of pace, but also health complaints for the drivers. It was only in Suzuka that Alonso managed to finish a race for the first time, although he finished only eighteenth.
‘Still enjoying what I do’
Nevertheless, the Spanish star, who won his last title almost two decades ago, remains hopeful. “If we are not competitive, I will race for another year,” he promised to the Japanese F1-Gate. “I still feel that we can be competitive and that there is speed in the car. And I enjoy what I do.” Alonso emphasized that at 44, he is still just as driven as the youngest drivers. “When I am in Spain, I go karting and race against kids aged 9, 12, and 15. But mentally we are on the same level,” he grinned.
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Regarding his future, Alonso wants to say goodbye on a high note. “I don’t want to end my F1 career in a disappointing way,” he stated defiantly. “So if the car is not competitive, I will drive for another year. The first two races were difficult, this race was difficult, and the next ten races will also be difficult,” he admitted honestly. “I’m saying that now. Change doesn’t happen overnight. The first half of the season will be tough, but I hope it gets better in the second half.” Alonso certainly doesn’t lack patience. “I think I am the most patient driver,” he concluded. “Some people already get frustrated when they have a car that doesn’t even finish in the top five. But I have fought for victories for 23 years with cars that weren’t even in the top four.”
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