Fernando Alonso reveals potential plans to tackle Le Mans and the Dakar Rally

Fernando Alonso has admitted that his future in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season remains uncertain, revealing that he is already exploring alternative racing avenues that could see him team up with current F1 rivals.

However, Alonso is adamant that he does not want 2026 to mark his final chapter in the sport, particularly given the arduous campaign Aston Martin has endured so far. The Spaniard has managed to secure the team's only Grand Prix finish this year—a lowly P18 in Japan—as they continue to battle relentless reliability issues stemming from their new Honda power unit. Honda and Aston Martin are confident that new hardware countermeasures will resolve the excessive engine vibrations.

A return to endurance racing and rally-raid

Alonso’s motorsport ambitions extend far beyond the Formula 1 paddock. The Oviedo native still harbors dreams of conquering the grueling Dakar Rally, following a one-off appearance with Toyota in 2020.

Furthermore, he has not ruled out a return to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alonso previously tasted victory at the iconic endurance race in 2018 and 2019 during his stint with Toyota.

"If I continue racing, I think it will be a better season than this one because the project will be in its second year. If I stop, I can compete in other categories," Alonso told AS.

"The Dakar Rally is a possibility. If I can win in endurance racing, F1 and rally-raid, [it] will probably be unprecedented. So, that’s very appealing."

He added: "I might also return to Le Mans someday, so I’m not too worried about leaving F1. I’ll continue racing and remain connected to this team in the future in a different role."

Teaming up with F1 rivals at Le Mans

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is Alonso’s revelation that he is in active communication with current F1 drivers about forming a super-team for a future Le Mans assault.

"Returning [to Le Mans] isn’t in my plans yet, but if the opportunity arises, there are other F1 drivers who want to go to Le Mans in the future – and we’re in contact about doing it together," Alonso stated.

While he refrained from naming specific drivers, the allure of Le Mans has captured the attention of several prominent figures on the current grid. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has openly expressed his desire to see Alonso drive for McLaren at Le Mans when the manufacturer returns to the event in 2027. This aligns with the ambitions of McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both of whom have voiced their interest in tackling the 24-hour classic.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has also made his intentions clear, stating his desire to win Le Mans—a goal he believes is achievable even at the age of 45. Mercedes prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli has similarly expressed a keen interest in partnering with Verstappen for the endurance race in the future.

Currently, Audi's Nico Hulkenberg stands as the only other active F1 driver alongside Alonso to have conquered Le Mans, having secured victory on his debut with Porsche in 2015. As Alonso weighs his options, the prospect of a star-studded F1 lineup descending upon the Circuit de la Sarthe remains a tantalizing possibility for motorsport fans worldwide.