Key takeaways
- No fixed timeline: Fernando Alonso dismissed setting a deadline to decide his Formula 1 future, stating that his choice will primarily depend on how much he continues to enjoy racing under the technical regulations.
- Long-term commitment to Aston Martin: Regardless of whether he continues as a driver or retires, Alonso emphasized that he intends to remain tied to Aston Martin in whatever role creates the most value.
- Age is just a number: At 45, the two-time World Champion made it clear that age will not be the deciding factor in his decision-making process.
Fernando Alonso has ruled out setting a deadline to decide his future in Formula 1, stating that the decision between continuing to race or retiring will depend mainly on how much fun he can still have with the current technical rules. The Spaniard, who maintains a long-term commitment to Aston Martin, admitted that the outcome remains completely open.
On the same day Max Verstappen extended his Red Bull contract through 2030, Alonso was asked about the next steps in his career. Speaking to reporters during Thursday’s press conference in Zandvoort, the Aston Martin driver noted that he was not imposing deadlines and emphasized that his bond with the team could easily extend beyond his time behind the wheel.
“I wasn’t thinking about it [retirement] until I walked through the door and you guys asked. I don’t set deadlines; it could be days, weeks… or months. It will depend on how much I want to enjoy myself with these regulations, and that might not help very much,” he stated.
Alonso also made it clear that age will not necessarily be a determining factor in his decision. At 45, the Spaniard left the door open to remaining connected with Aston Martin regardless of which path he chooses next.
“Either way, I can be linked to Aston Martin long-term in whatever role I can contribute to most. Whether racing or in another position, I’ll be equally happy. Age is not an issue,” he stressed. idade não é um problema”, ressaltou.
The two-time World Champion also commented on the upcoming tweaks to the technical regulations, assessing that the adjustments will not be drastic enough to completely reshape the driving experience in Formula 1.
“There will only be minor adjustments to energy and combustion; the rules will stay the same [for 2027], but it all depends on me, whether I want to make things better or worse for myself,” he concluded.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from August 21 to 23, for the Dutch Grand Prix — the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all the track action live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all the updates on our news page.
Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Session | Local time (CEST) | UTC |
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, August 21 – 12:30 | 10:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday, August 21 – 16:00 | 14:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday, August 22 – 11:30 | 09:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
| Race | Sunday, August 23 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. When does Fernando Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin expire?
Fernando Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin runs through the end of December 2026.
2. Is Fernando Alonso planning to stay with Aston Martin after retiring from driving?
Yes. Alonso confirmed that he intends to maintain a long-term connection with Aston Martin, potentially transitioning into a non-driving advisory or technical role once he stops racing.
3. What factors will determine whether Fernando Alonso continues racing in Formula 1?
Alonso explained that his decision will rely heavily on personal motivation and how much enjoyment he gets out of driving under the technical regulations rather than age or set deadlines.
