(Motorsport-Total.com) – “It will be a special weekend, probably my last Formula 1 race in Barcelona,” said Fernando Alonso before the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona-Catalunya. “That’s why I want to thank everyone.”
Read more Formula 1 live ticker: The qualifying in Barcelona live
Accordingly, a possible retirement of the two-time world champion is being discussed. But while the question arises whether the 44-year-old also wants to drive for Aston Martin in 2027, another option is circulating through the Barcelona paddock: Alpine.
After all, Flavio Briatore, manager of the Aston Martin driver, is currently the head of the Enstone-based racing team. In addition, the 32-time Grand Prix winner from Oviedo celebrated his greatest successes with this very team.
From 2003 to 2006, Alonso not only won 15 races with the then Renault racing team but also secured both of his world championship titles. In his second stint from 2008 to 2009, he added two more victories, although Alonso did not have the package to win another world championship at that time. Instead, stories like the Crashgate scandal were in the media’s focus.
In 2021, Alonso celebrated his second comeback for the Enstone team, this time under the name Alpine. Although the team offered him the chance to celebrate his return to Grand Prix racing, this collaboration ended as early as 2022.
Beyond the symbolic character, another move to Alpine would possibly equip Alonso with the best possible package for his situation. The team currently runs with a Mercedes power unit and can look forward to substantial support from the fashion brand Gucci from 2027. However, nothing is official in this regard yet.
Read more Formula 1 live ticker: Qualifying in Barcelona live
Furthermore, Alonso’s last appearance in Barcelona does not necessarily mean the end of his career in 2026. After all, the Circuit de Catalunya is not on next year’s race calendar. In other words: Even if Alonso were to compete in a Grand Prix in Barcelona for the last time this season, this has no automatic bearing on his plans for 2027.
Major updates are planned for Aston Martin in the summer. Should it turn out that even the B-variant of the green car does not bring significant progress, the rumor mill surrounding a move for the veteran will only intensify.
Alonso is certainly not lacking in self-confidence. However, it is known that the former Ferrari driver is absolutely no fan of the current hybrid formula.
Finally, Alonso emphasizes: “After the summer, I will decide whether I continue or not.” Should he actually leave Formula 1, it would be the veteran’s second farewell after 2018.
Read more Formula 1 live ticker: The qualifying in Barcelona live