During the last race weekend in Japan, Fernando Alonso – possibly inspired by his recent fatherhood and the less competitive Aston Martin – openly flirted with retirement. Five weeks later, the Spaniard appeared in the paddock in Miami, still uncertain about his future in Formula 1. He once again emphasized that he wants to stop at a high point. Around the summer, Alonso wants to definitively decide whether to extend his contract one more time.
Read more Antonelli warns of more competition: ‘Other teams have major upgrades’
Speaking to the press in Miami, Alonso revealed that he regularly has conversations with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll about his expiring contract and a possible retirement. “We met again last weekend in Monaco,” said the two-time world champion.
“But honestly, we never really talked about the future. Actually, we mostly agree and talk more about the current situation than about the future.” Still, the current collaboration with Aston Martin ends after this year. “I know that this year, probably around the summer or shortly after, I have to make a decision about my future, but at this moment I am not focused on that yet.”
‘Always keep racing’
Alonso does not have a clear preference for stopping or continuing. “I also have to discuss it with my family,” he clarified. “I first present it to my loved ones and then decide what I will do. If I keep racing, I expect more from next year, when this project enters its second year,” promised Alonso. Incidentally, a farewell to Formula 1 does not mean he will stop racing – on the contrary. “I know that then I will race in another category. I have already indicated several times that the Dakar Rally interests me.”
“If I can win in endurance racing, Formula 1, and long-distance rallies, that would probably be unique,” he beamed. “Besides, two weeks ago I tested with a Valkyrie prototype and that also felt good.” Aston Martin participates in the WEC with the Valkyrie hypercar. “Maybe I will participate again in the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” mused Alonso, who has already won the famous endurance race twice. “In any case, I will keep racing and will always remain connected to the team – I feel reassured about that.”
Read more Sprint Qualifying GP Miami: Norris takes pole in Florida, Verstappen P5
High point
Alonso emphasized once again that he prefers to stop at a high point. “But you can’t always choose when you stop,” he admitted. “Only Nico Rosberg managed that.”
After winning the title in 2016, the German promptly hung up his racing suit. “I am very relaxed and satisfied with my career,” the Spaniard added. “I am grateful for everything the sport has given me. Since my return in 2021, it has been a gift to keep racing and be competitive. I want to leave the sport at a moment when I still feel fast.”
“I don’t want to stop when everyone beats me, when I feel slow and start making mistakes,” Alonso explained. “Right now I am at 100 percent and I want to leave with that same feeling.” Of course, the team can also choose not to extend the Spaniard’s contract. “I perform well enough to show that I can deliver results,” he assured. “If the car is competitive, I help the team as best as I can. That’s why I think the choice largely lies with me.”
Read more Lando Norris takes sprint pole in Miami: ‘A perfect result’
Read everything about the GP Miami here
