Alonso fuels more F1 retirement talk: ‘I’m open to everything’

Fernando Alonso has never been one to follow a predictable script – and as Formula 1 heads into another high-stakes weekend in Miami, the Spaniard has once again cracked open the door to uncertainty, intrigue, and perhaps even a dramatic career pivot.

At 44, with Aston Martin struggling to find its footing in 2026, Alonso isn’t just fighting for points – he’s weighing the shape of his future. And in classic Alonso fashion, nothing is off the table.

The question hung in the Miami air: is this the beginning of the end for Alonso’s F1 career? His answer did little to quiet the speculation — in fact, it poured fuel on it.

"I'm not sure," he admitted when asked if he would walk away once his current deal expires at the end of this year.

"I'm open to everything. I think until probably after the summer break I will not really sit down with the team and make the decision. We need to see also how the car improves and how we see things into next year. I'm very relaxed.

"I will continue racing, if it's not F1 I will do Dakar [Rally]. I said many times it's a challenge that I want to take, winning endurance racing, F1 and rally. That will probably be unprecedented for any racing driver in the past, so it's something that is very appealing.

A father’s new perspective

The 44-year-old’s calculations have become infinitely more complex this year. The arrival of his first child has added a sentimental weight to his heavy right foot.

The man who once lived only for the apex now thinks about the legacy left in the grandstands.

"I have some thoughts, I cannot lie," he confessed. "It does change the way you see life but I have to say it's going in the other direction.

“I want to race, and he sees me racing, but until he's aware of things, maybe it's a couple of years, and I don't want to race four or five years."

The drive to stay might just come from a desire for one last family photo on the podium.

"I will like not to stop before he's in the paddock or sits in my car, these kind of things. Moments that you will remember all your life. It does change to be a father,” Alonso said.

Success beyond the wheel

Whether he’s hunting for a third world title or managing the next generation, Alonso’s DNA is now permanently spliced with the Silverstone squad.

He made it clear that even if he hangs up the helmet, he isn't leaving the garage.

"I will keep active even if I stop F1. I'm also linked with this team, with this project. I want to succeed here, behind the wheel or not behind the wheel, you will see me in the paddock even if I stop racing," he insisted.

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But for now, the focus remains on the immediate crisis. With Honda working overtime to quench the engine’s thirst for destruction, Alonso is searching for a spark of joy in the Miami heat.

"We have a tough start to the season but we are all embracing this challenge. We are together on this, Aston Martin and Honda. Hopefully we can see some results and start having fun on the weekends,” he concluded.

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