Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell says he’s heard nothing from Fernando Alonso regarding a potential plan to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season.
Alonso is a two-time F1 world champion and the most experienced F1 driver in history with 419 grand prix starts, but has been on a 218-round winless streak.
The 44-year-old has been thinking about his future and, against all expectations, told Spanish newspaper AS that a poor Aston Martin car in 2026 would spur him to keep going even longer.
“I know it’s my last chance,” Alonso said about F1’s new technical era next year, with revamped chassis and engine regulations. “If the car is weak, I might go one more year just to end on a positive note. If the car is strong, 2026 will probably be my last year.”
Cowell has however clarified to Autosport that no such talks have taken place yet with the Spanish veteran within the Aston Martin squad.
“I’ve not had any conversations with him about that,” Cowell said. “His conversations with me over the past year have been all focused on 2026. Lance [Stroll] is exactly the same, which results in a painful 2025 season, but we are putting all our effort and focus on 2026.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images via Getty Images
“I guess Fernando is thinking towards the back end of 2026 and what to do, but we’re just pushing hard to make sure that we’re in the best possible place for 2026, 2027 and beyond.
“Fernando has shown that he’s a phenomenal competitor. Age doesn’t seem to be an issue for him. His age seems to be a strength!”
Alonso is already F1’s oldest grand prix starter since Graham Hill at the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix, as well as its oldest race leader, fastest-lap achiever and podium finisher since Michael Schumacher, achieving those feats across 2011 and 2012.
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– The Autosport.com Team
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