Fernando Alonso is still going strong as he heads into his 23rd season in Formula 1. Now 44, questions are swirling about how much longer he’ll stick around.
Fernando Alonso is still going strong as he heads into his 23rd season in Formula 1.
Now 44, questions are swirling about how much longer he’ll stick around. Alonso has hinted that retirement could be on the horizon, but that decision may hinge on whether Aston Martin can give him a competitive car this year.
Both Alonso and Lance Stroll have struggled for consistency, with the team spending most of their time stuck in the midfield pack. However, there’s hope that things could turn around under the new regulations coming into effect this year.
The arrival of Adrian Newey and Honda has raised expectations within the team. With Lawrence Stroll backing the project, some believe Aston Martin could surprise everyone. Damon Hill even compared their potential rise to Brawn GP’s remarkable run in 2009.
Alonso is still chasing a third title, something that’s been just out of reach for years. Even as the oldest driver on the grid, he remains unique in his approach and skillset.
Aston Martin preparing for life after Fernando Alonso
While Alonso isn’t showing any signs of slowing down just yet, there are suggestions Aston Martin are starting to plan for life beyond him.
If this does turn out to be his final season, finding someone to replace him won’t be easy, given what he brings both on and off the track. There aren’t many drivers who match up when it comes to experience or mentality.
James Hinchcliffe says there’s ‘literally nobody else’ in F1 like Fernando Alonso
James Hinchcliffe, speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, praised Alonso after observing how he operates behind the wheel. He pointed out that while other drivers may have raw speed, nobody fine-tunes a car like Alonso does.
“Go back and watch some Fernando onboard,” said Hinchcliffe. “Go back and sit with him for an entire qualifying session or for a stint in a race.
“That dude is flicking more switches and pushing more buttons and turning more knobs than anyone else out there. That guy is getting the absolute most out of that machine at all times.
“He is tuning it corner to corner in a way that literally nobody else is. It’s really crazy to watch. There are times where I see some of his onboards and I’m like: ‘Are you doing too much man?
“Are you thinking too much about this stuff and not just focusing on rolling your minimum speed and picking up the throttle a bit sooner?’ But, I don’t think he’s going to suffer in that department at all.”
Aston Martin Could Already Have Their Eye on Fernando Alonso’s Replacement
If Alonso does decide to call it a day in 2026, Aston Martin will need to move quickly to secure a suitable replacement.
Charles Leclerc has been linked with the team amid growing frustration over Ferrari’s lack of progress. The Monegasque driver remains under contract until 2029, but exit clauses could come into play if things don’t improve soon.
Should Ferrari fail to show significant improvement, the 28-year-old may consider an exit. Recent reports suggest that Aston Martin view him as the ideal fit for their future plans, especially under Adrian Newey’s guidance.
With Aston Martin’s ambitious project taking shape, the team might be worth considering if Ferrari continue to fall short of expectations.
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Category: General Sports
