Fernando Alonso set to end his illustrious career amid ongoing Aston Martin overhaul - Reports

As the most seasoned driver in Formula 1 history, Fernando Alonso's career has been nothing short of legendary. With 391 grand prix starts under his belt since his debut with Minardi in 2001, Alonso has established himself as one of the sport's all-time greats.

However, recent comments from his long-time manager, Flavio Briatore, have sparked discussions about the possibility of his retirement. Alonso, who turned 43 last month, returned to Formula 1 in 2021 after a two-year hiatus.

His current contract with Aston Martin, signed in April, binds him to the team until at least the end of the 2026 season. This year marks the beginning of Aston Martin's works partnership with Honda, a move that aligns with the introduction of new F1 regulations.

Briatore, who played a pivotal role in Alonso's back-to-back championship victories with Renault in 2005 and 2006, recently shared his thoughts on the Spaniard's future during an appearance on the "Formula For Success" podcast. According to Briatore, Alonso's retirement at the end of 2026 is a strong possibility, though the final decision will ultimately rest with Alonso himself.

"I don't know about his future," Briatore remarked. "The performance is there. You see the performance of Fernando, it’s there. It’s not a question of him losing concentration; during the race, he’s always there”, he further added.

“He wants the car to be competitive”, Briatore praises Alonso

Briatore also highlighted Fernando Alonso's relentless drive and competitive spirit, traits that have defined his career. "If he’s 11th, he wants to be 10th. If he’s 10th, he wants to be ninth. He wants the car to be competitive. He’s qualifying well, he’s racing well," Briatore noted, illustrating Alonso's unyielding determination to maximize his performance at every opportunity.

However, the decision to retire or continue beyond 2026 is far from clear-cut. "I don’t know if he wants to stop with 2026 as his last year or if he wants to go ahead. Honestly, I don’t know," Briatore admitted. He suggested that Alonso's future in the sport might depend on various factors, including his personal life and his continued passion for racing.