Domenicali suffers for Alonso: ‘I hope he'll be here for a long time’

Fernando Alonso has spent much of his Formula 1 career tormenting rivals. But these days, it’s the sight of Alonso himself suffering that is causing discomfort – even at the very top of the sport.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has delivered a heartfelt endorsement of the two-time world champion, admitting he feels genuine pain watching one of the grid's most gifted drivers fight near the back of the field instead of battling for victories.

And with retirement speculation once again swirling around Alonso following his comments in Barcelona, Domenicali has made one thing abundantly clear: Formula 1 is not ready to lose him.

F1's ultimate warrior still has unfinished business

At 45, Alonso remains one of the sport's most captivating figures. The Spaniard is now in his 23rd season as a Formula 1 race driver and, despite not standing on the top step of the podium since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, many still regard him as one of the most complete racers in the field.

Yet talent alone cannot overcome the enduring struggles of Aston Martin and their uncompetitive car/

For much of this season, Alonso has found himself trapped in the lower reaches of the order, often battling only with team-mate Lance Stroll and Cadillac's drivers once the opening-lap drama settles.

For a driver of Alonso's stature, it has been a difficult spectacle to watch. And Domenicali admits he feels exactly that way.

“I suffer a lot for Alonso, because I have a lot of respect for him and I know he’s fantastic,” Domenicali told Spanish publication AS.

The F1 chief remains convinced that Alonso's extraordinary abilities have not diminished, insisting the missing ingredient is machinery capable of matching his talent.

“But I know that he is a resilient person. He will have the opportunity, I hope, if they give him a good car to show the talent he has,” the former Ferrari teal principal added.

“His mentality is one of fearless commitment, at all levels. He needs the right project. I hope he will be here and not just for a year, for a long time.”

Those comments are particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding Alonso's future.

Retirement talk refuses to go away

The latest wave of speculation was triggered in Barcelona, where Alonso hinted that his recent appearance at the circuit may have been his last.

The iconic venue is set to move into a rotational arrangement with Spa-Francorchamps, meaning it will not return to the calendar until 2028.

While Alonso will still race on home soil at Madrid's new Madring circuit later this year, his long-term future remains unresolved.

His current Aston Martin deal runs through the end of 2026, and Alonso has indicated that he hopes to make a decision on what comes next around the summer break.

That looming decision has understandably focused minds throughout the paddock.

For Formula 1, losing Alonso would mean saying goodbye to one of its most enduring stars, a driver who has raced against multiple generations of champions and remains one of the sport's biggest attractions.

Domenicali is not hiding his desire to keep that story going.

“It’s a fact that we need heroes. That’s why I expect Fernando to stay for a long time, with the right car he’s still very strong,” he said.

The statement cuts to the heart of Alonso's enduring value. His presence transcends results.

Whether fighting for championships or dragging an underperforming car beyond its limits, Alonso remains one of Formula 1's most compelling characters – a driver capable of generating headlines, drama and admiration in equal measure.

And when asked what Formula 1 would lose if Alonso finally decided to walk away, Domenicali wasn't interested in entertaining the scenario.

“It’s not the time to talk about that because I want to see him here for a long time,” he said.

• Read also: Alonso admits drivers’ parade was ‘best part' of Barcelona weekend

For now, Formula 1's chief executive is holding onto hope.

After all, if Aston Martin's ambitious project finally delivers the competitive car Alonso has spent years waiting for, the sport may yet get one final chapter from one of its greatest fighters.

And judging by Domenicali's comments, that's a chapter Formula 1 desperately wants to read.

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