Spain’s Formula One veteran Fernando Alonso confirmed Thursday that he gained’t race at 50, signaling a transparent finish to his illustrious profession.
At 43, Alonso leads Aston Martin into their one centesimal F1 race this Sunday on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, bringing the power and fervour of a driver half his age.
The skilled racer, whose age surpasses that of rookies Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman mixed, holds an open-ended contract with Aston Martin, a group backed by Lawrence Stroll, father of his teammate, Lance.
Though latest outcomes have been modest, Aston Martin’s bold venture was attractive sufficient to convey design legend Adrian Newey from Red Bull.
Given their latest lack of type – Alonso’s final podium end was in 2023 – Aston Martin may gain advantage from Newey including a few of his magic to this season’s automobile.
However, the person whose automobile designs helped Red Bull win 13 titles – six drivers’ championships and 7 constructors’ titles – is focusing purely on 2026 and the following main shift in F1’s technical panorama.
“He’s working only on ’26, and I totally support that,” Alonso mentioned.
“I want to drive an Adrian-designed car,” he added when requested how lengthy his acquainted grizzled options would stay on the grid.
“Not at 50 for sure.”
“After 2026, I don’t know. I’ll go season by season and see how motivated I am,” he mentioned. “Right now, I’m very motivated. Let’s do it until 2026, and then we’ll sit and talk and check what’s best for the team.”
Alonso, getting ready for his 51st race with Aston Martin, which he joined in 2023 from Alpine, mirrored on “an incredible journey so far.”
Despite but to attain a degree this season, he mentioned: “We are a much better team, a much more prepared team to fight for world championships than we were two years ago.”
“Then, we had a very small factory, we were using Mercedes’ wind tunnel, and maybe we didn’t have the right people and partners in the project,” he added.
“So, yeah, the results on track on Sunday aren’t the same as before. But I feel very relaxed, very motivated. And this is just a transition time.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com