News Summary
- Fernando Alonso confirmed that racing in the World Endurance Championship is an option for him in 2027 if he does not continue in Formula 1.
- The Spaniard spoke at the Spanish GP press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Madrid, while keeping his final decision on his F1 future open.
- Alonso has also left open the possibility of remaining involved with Aston Martin in another role if he stops racing in F1.
Fernando Alonso has confirmed that the World Endurance Championship is a genuine option for 2027 if he decides not to continue as a Formula 1 driver. The Aston Martin veteran made the admission during the Spanish GP press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Madrid on Thursday (10).
Alonso’s future remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the 2027 F1 grid. His Aston Martin contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, but the two-time world champion has repeatedly refused to set a deadline for his decision.
Asked directly in Madrid whether another championship such as the WEC could be an option instead of Formula 1 next year, Alonso gave a short but significant answer.
“Yes,” he said.
The response opens the door to a return to the category in which Alonso has already enjoyed major success. He won the 2018-19 World Endurance Championship with Toyota and claimed the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice during his previous period away from Formula 1.
A move to the WEC would also fit within Aston Martin’s broader motorsport structure, with the manufacturer competing in the Hypercar class of the championship.
The Spaniard has made clear that he is still evaluating how much he enjoys the current generation of F1 cars and what the next regulations will bring. Earlier in the week, he again indicated that there would be no announcement about his future during the Madrid weekend.
Alonso had already said that his F1 future would depend heavily on the 2027 regulations, particularly after expressing frustration with the characteristics of the current cars.
Asked when he expected to make a decision in Madrid, Alonso again resisted pressure to provide a timeline.
“Not soon,” he said, according to reports from the Madrid press conference.
The Spaniard then explained his reluctance to rush the process.
“Because I think it’s nice,” Alonso joked.
He also suggested that Aston Martin is prepared to wait for his decision rather than force a deadline.
Aston Martin could remain part of Alonso’s future
Alonso’s potential departure from the F1 cockpit would not necessarily mean the end of his relationship with Aston Martin.
The 45-year-old has previously made clear that his commitment to the Silverstone-based project extends beyond his time as a driver. He has said that he wants to help Aston Martin become a championship-winning organisation, whether that happens with him behind the wheel or in another capacity.
That possibility becomes particularly interesting if the Spaniard chooses WEC competition. Aston Martin’s growing involvement in endurance racing could allow Alonso to remain closely connected to the manufacturer while pursuing another major championship.
Alonso has already demonstrated that leaving F1 does not mean stepping away from elite motorsport. During his previous break from Formula 1, he competed successfully in endurance racing, winning Le Mans twice and the WEC title, while also contesting the Indianapolis 500 and Dakar Rally.
“I still have some hope” for F1
Despite considering alternatives, Alonso has not closed the door on Formula 1.
His decision will depend in part on whether the sport changes direction after the first season of the new regulations. Alonso has been particularly critical of the increased role of electrical energy in the current power-unit formula and has described the 2026 cars as lacking some of the excitement associated with previous generations.
He believes there is still an opportunity for the rules to be adjusted for 2027.
“I still have some hope that next year’s rule will still have to be tweaked again, that this is not the final version,” Alonso said.
That leaves Alonso with several possible paths.
He could remain with Aston Martin as an F1 driver, step away from the F1 cockpit while racing in the WEC, or remain involved with the team in another role while competing elsewhere.
For now, however, he is determined not to make the decision before he has enough information about the direction of Formula 1 and Aston Martin’s competitiveness.
Aston Martin has made no secret of its desire to keep Alonso, with the team believing his experience remains valuable as it prepares for the next phase of its partnership with Honda.
Alonso has previously stressed his commitment to Aston Martin even if he stops racing for the team.
The immediate priority is Madrid, where Alonso will compete in Formula 1’s first Spanish GP at the new Madring circuit. But the home race is also providing the clearest indication yet that his future could extend well beyond the F1 grid.
GRANDE PRÊMIO was present at the Spanish GP press conference in Madrid and will continue to follow Alonso’s decision on his 2027 plans.
FAQ
Will Fernando Alonso race in the WEC in 2027?
It is now a confirmed option under consideration. Asked in Madrid whether the World Endurance Championship could be an alternative to Formula 1 in 2027, Alonso answered “Yes.” He has not, however, announced that he will join the WEC.
Is Fernando Alonso retiring from Formula 1?
Not yet. Alonso has not announced a retirement and is still considering whether he wants to continue racing in F1 under the next generation of regulations. He has also refused to set a specific date for his decision.
Could Fernando Alonso stay with Aston Martin without being an F1 driver?
Yes. Alonso has previously indicated that he could remain involved with Aston Martin in another capacity if he stops racing in Formula 1. His commitment to the team’s long-term project therefore does not necessarily depend on remaining in the F1 cockpit.
