Long-time Fernando Alonso’s manager Flavio Briatore recently sparked discussions about the two-time world champion’s potential retirement from F1.
Recently, the Alpine advisor, who also doubles up as Alonso’s long-time manager and mentor, stirred the pot by hinting at the possibility of the Aston Martin driver calling it quits from the sport.
In a recent episode of the Formula For Success podcast, Briatore hinted that Alonso might consider retiring at the end of the 2026 season. This timeline aligns with the Spaniard’s current contract with Aston Martin, which ensures his participation in the new power unit regulations set to take effect in 2026.
By that time, Alonso will be 45 years old and will have completed an impressive 23 seasons in Formula 1 standing as the most experienced driver in F1 history, with a total of 391 grand prix starts since his debut with Minardi in 2001.
“I don’t know [about his future],” Briatore said. “I believe [at Spa], for example, he was very smart. He did one pit stop and this was the way to go, because of his experience.
“If you ask me if Fernando wants to continue after we finish in the contract, our last year will be 2026 for the moment. What he wants to do after, I don’t know.
“Does he want to continue for one more year? 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.”
Alonso’s hunger for success is as strong as ever and has consistently pushed for better performance from his car, demonstrating a relentless drive to improve which Briatore is well aware of having spent over two decades working together.
“If he’s 11th, he wants to be 10th, if he’s 10th, he want to be ninth,” he added. “He wants the car to be competitive. He’s qualifying well, he’s racing well.
“I don’t know, honestly, if he wants to stop with 2026 as his last year or if he wants to go ahead. Honestly, I don’t know.
“It depends on the feeling he has about racing and the timing, I don’t know if he’ll have a family at the time and whatever. But for sure, he is somebody unique.
“I’ve never seen somebody like that, so determined every day, every day, every day. Never give up. Unbelievable.”
More than just deft track maneuvering is required in F1 and with Alonso’s age creeping in, he must maintain a daily training routine as well as rigorous discipline that underpins his success.
“I’ve been managing Fernando Alonso for 22 years now,” Briatore added. “We’ve had 22 years of marriage. Fernando is still very difficult to understand because Fernando is still motivated like a young driver.
“He’s super fit, maybe more fit now than when he was driving for me. He’s living in Monaco. I know he’s doing a bicycle ride every day, he’s doing 60-70-80 kilometres every day.
“He goes to the gym every day. Every time we go to dinner he’s very, very careful. He’s never cheating with the food. He’s unbelievable.”
Despite Alonso’s efforts, Aston Martin’s performance has fluctuated this season, however, the team is working to improve its competitiveness. The addition of key personnel, such as Adrian Newey, is expected to bolster the team’s prospects in the coming years.
If Lawrence Stroll can provide the seasoned driver with a competitive car, there is potential for him to challenge for victories and possibly a championship before his anticipated retirement.
Alonso’s eventual retirement will undoubtedly leave a void in the sport. As one of the most recognizable figures in Formula 1, his departure will mark the end of an era as his influence extends beyond on-track performance; serving as a mentor and role model for younger drivers entering the sport.
But looking ahead, the future seems promising especially with the anticipated changes in regulations. The arrival of new technical regulations in 2026 could provide Alonso with an opportunity to compete for his third World Championship, a feat that would further cement his legacy in the sport.
