The Aston Martin driver insists performance—not age—will determine when he retires.
MADRID, SPAIN
Fernando Alonso has suggested that renewing his Formula One contract would not necessarily mean extending his career for only one more season. After the Spanish Grand Prix at Madring, the two-time world champion said he could continue for several years and would retire only when he felt slower than the other drivers.
The 45-year-old Spaniard has yet to confirm whether he will compete in 2027. Alonso said he remains physically capable but must first decide whether extending his career is the correct choice. His remarks leave open the possibility of a multi-year agreement if Aston Martin can provide a sufficiently competitive project.
His home race ended in 17th place after another difficult weekend for the team. Alonso’s front wing was damaged during an incident with Carlos Sainz on lap 13, when he said the Williams driver forced him toward the wall at approximately 340 kilometres per hour despite having space available on the opposite side. Sainz received a penalty for the manoeuvre.
Alonso acknowledged that the damage affected his car but doubted that an incident-free race would have significantly improved his final position. Aston Martin lacked the pace to challenge the cars ahead, leading the team to use the closing laps to test energy-management settings and gather information for future development.
Despite the result, Alonso described the first Formula One weekend at Madring as emotionally significant. He completed his return to the pits slowly after the race so he could absorb the support from the Spanish spectators. The experience reinforced his enthusiasm for competition, but the final decision will depend on whether the sporting challenge remains meaningful.
Longevity matters only while ambition can still match performance.