In 2026, Fernando Alonso will reach the final year of his contract with Aston Martin F1.
It will be a decisive year for the team, almost now or never for Alonso: the legendary Adrian Newey will in fact be behind the development of the Aston Martin F1 of 2026, for the all-new regulations. With the hope of building a winning car, as Newey was able to do in the past, at the start of the regulatory era.
Fernando Alonso will then be 45 years old… obviously, winning a third career title, in 2026, with Aston Martin F1, would be an unforgettable feat in the annals of F1, 20 years after his last title.
And he dreams of it, as he told the BBC.
“I still dream of a third title. »
” Why not ? I know 2026 is probably my only chance because 2025 is extremely difficult, but I keep dreaming. »
“F1 is made for those who dream… probably, because anything can happen. Let's see. »
In 2026, this will undoubtedly be Fernando Alonso's last chance. The Spaniard knows that any change in regulations is an opportunity to make a big leap forward…
“Expectations will be high because it's a new car, a change in regulations, a car made by Adrian. »
And the veteran on the grid readily admits: 2026, his last year of contract with Aston Martin F1, could also be his last year in F1…
“Probably – or at least to start with – this will be my last season in F1. My contract ends at the end of 2026. It is the moment to deliver, the moment of truth. Expectations are high. »
Alonso still in F1 in 2027…?
But if 2026 goes better than expected, why not extend and try again one last time in 2027? Alonso doesn't close the door!
“If 2026 goes well and we have a good time and there is a possibility of racing one more year, I will be open [à cette éventualité]that's for sure. »
“I won’t close the door in advance. But I won't start thinking that and I will take every race like it's my last and enjoy every second. »
“I think my discipline of work, training and dedication to F1 has been quite extreme and the results are perhaps paying off. »
“I have never missed a test session, a debriefing, a factory session or a training session. I never went out or partied. »
A career finale with Newey
Between Fernando Alonso and Newey, it was a missed opportunity for a long time. The Spaniard decided not to join Red Bull at the end of 2007, and did not follow up on discussions in 2013 either.
This time, why does he think he and Newey finally came to an understanding today?
“Destiny. It seems fate always wanted me to miss the opportunity. But he has come to the end of my career and I will still enjoy it as much as possible, try to learn from him. »
“We have mutual respect. We exchanged messages and talked from time to time, and it seems like we've always been in touch. We never worked together, but we were always on the same frequency when we spoke in the past. I can't wait. »
“And for Aston Martin, this is something important. »
