Alonso: Hard to Retire if Aston Martin Not Competitive

Alonso: “Very Hard” to Retire if Aston Martin Not Competitive in 2025

Fernando Alonso admits walking away from Formula 1 will be “very hard” if Aston Martin aren’t delivering a competitive car by the end of next season.

With his contract ending in 2025, the two-time world champion is considering retirement — but only if he gets to go out on a high.

“If we are competitive, there’s more chance I stop. If not, it’ll be hard to walk away,”

said the 44-year-old, whose glittering career has also been marked by frustration and near-misses.

Still Chasing the Perfect Exit

Alonso hasn’t won a race since 2013 but remains one of the most respected drivers on the grid. His dream now?

Leave Formula 1 on top — not just exit quietly.

“I’ve been chasing a competitive car for many, many years,”

he told the team’s official channels.

“If I get that, it’s a very good way to close my career.”

In contrast, leaving the sport while stuck in midfield “wouldn’t sit well,” said the Spaniard, who has outqualified teammate Lance Stroll in 19 out of 20 races, but still sits behind him in the standings.

Alonso’s Career: A Story of Glory & Missed Opportunities

• World Champion: 2005 & 2006 with Renault

• Runner-Up Finishes: 2010, 2012, 2013 with Ferrari — missing out by as little as 4 points

• McLaren-Honda Era (2015–2018): A disappointing chapter plagued by uncompetitive engines

• F1 Exit (2019): Went on to win Le Mans and World Endurance titles, competed in Indy 500 and Dakar Rally

• Return to F1 (2021): Alpine → Aston Martin (2023)

Newey Factor and the 2026 Reset

Alonso has high hopes for 2026, when new regulations overhaul both engine and chassis designs. But he believes the real shift begins next year, with legendary designer Adrian Newey taking full charge of the Aston Martin project.

“He’s an incredible person,” Alonso said. “Everyone in the team is learning from him.”

Newey joined Aston Martin in March 2025, following his departure from Red Bull. The 2026 car will be the first fully under his technical direction.

Is Aston Martin’s F1 Title Just a Matter of Time?

Aston Martin currently sits seventh in the Constructors’ standings, but Alonso believes they have everything needed to become World Champions — just not overnight.

“We have all the ingredients. The only unknown is when. I want to taste the success of this project before I leave.”

“Winning the championship is more or less guaranteed eventually. But to actually do it, you need a bit of help — from your rivals, and from luck.”

Retirement Clock Ticking?

As Alonso turns 45 in July 2026, time is clearly running short. But for a driver who still lives and breathes competition, walking away without one last title shot could be too much to accept.

With new regulations, Adrian Newey’s genius, and Alonso’s relentless drive, 2025 could define the end of a legend — or reignite one final run for glory.