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Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 future appears to have narrowed to two possibilities: continuing with Aston Martin or retiring from the sport. That is the view of team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, who says Alonso will remain connected to the team even if he stops racing.
Alonso has been regarded as one of the leading figures in the driver market, particularly with much of the expected movement concentrated in the midfield. Alpine have shown interest in the Spaniard, who raced for the team in 2021 and 2022 and previously won two world championships with Renault’s predecessors. A move could have triggered a wider chain reaction across the grid.
However, recent claims suggest Alonso’s contractual position may already rule out that scenario. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft reported that Alonso signed a five-year agreement with Aston Martin when he renewed in 2024. Although the deal was described publicly as a two-year contract, the reported structure could have committed Alonso to driving for two seasons before allowing him to move into another role, potentially as an ambassador.
De la Rosa said the final decision remains personal, but insisted Aston Martin would respect it. “It would be fantastic if he stayed with the team, but it’s a very personal decision,” he told Automoto. “He has many things to consider, and we will respect his choice, whatever it is. And we won’t interfere.”
He added that Aston Martin’s responsibility was to give Alonso a competitive car. “In any case, he’ll stay with us. If it’s as a driver, fantastic. But he could be an ambassador or take on another role.”
Alonso’s current season has strengthened the uncertainty surrounding his decision. He has scored one point and sits 19th in the championship, his lowest position since his rookie season. He also had to wait until Hungary to reach Q2 for the first time.
Aston Martin’s B-specification car and Honda’s planned upgrade offer some encouragement for the remainder of the campaign. The team’s latest progress is also examined in Aston Martin’s Hungary upgrade could be its most encouraging yet.
Yet De la Rosa made clear that the team’s trajectory will not be the only factor. Alonso must also decide whether planned regulation changes for 2027, intended to reduce the battery’s outsized importance, will make modern F1 cars more enjoyable to drive.
“I hope he stays, because he’s a special driver and a great leader,” De la Rosa said. “He wants to have fun driving a modern car.” For Aston Martin, the task is therefore immediate: provide the performance needed to keep Alonso racing, while preparing for either outcome.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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