2026 could be Fernando Alonso’s last year in Formula 1. The Asturian driver’s contract with Aston Martin is due to expire, and as he approaches his 45th birthday, this could be the moment to call it a day. It seems Aston Martin’s slump leaves him with little competition, but the big question remains when Alonso will decide.
The latest reports point to Alonso waiting for the summer break. But not merely to take the decision more calmly; it’s because right before that the major upgrade package from Aston Martin is expected to arrive, and it will be there that Alonso can assess whether the project has a future and is worth it.
Alonso is waiting for Aston Martin’s grand upgrade package
The 2026 season is the first of many things in Formula 1, but it could also mark a major cycle change for others. Beginning with Fernando Alonso. The Asturian driver has already said he is weighing retirement at the end of the season, when his contract with Aston Martin ends. The big question is when he will make the final decision.
For a while it seemed that Aston Martin would have many candidates to climb into their car in 2027, but now the list appears more limited. Although big names like Max Verstappen, George Russell or Lewis Hamilton are available, it seems unlikely that any of them would want to hop into the current Aston Martin.
Alonso appears to have no competition and, therefore, to be Aston Martin’s first choice to renew and stay beside Lance Stroll. However, that Aston Martin wants to continue with Alonso does not necessarily mean the Spaniard is willing to carry on. Alonso has not yet made his big decision.
And all signs point to the decision arriving during the summer break. According to various rumors, Aston Martin plans to introduce its first major upgrade package, the one expected to lift them out of the back of the grid, around the Belgian Grand Prix. That is, from July 17 to 19, just after their home race at Silverstone.
Spa-Francorchamps is the penultimate race before the break. A week later comes Hungary, and from there we head into the holidays. Everything suggests those races will give Alonso time to reflect during the break on whether he truly sees a future at Aston Martin and whether it is worth extending his Formula 1 career.
And it’s worth remembering that Alonso has just become a father and that around those dates he will turn 45. Driving for Adrian Newey is a dream, but life doesn’t wait for anyone.
Images | Aston Martin, Formula 1
