(Motorsport-Total.com) – Fernando Alonso leaves his future beyond the 2026 season open. The Aston Martin driver wants to take his time with a decision for 2027. Continuing in Formula 1 is not the only possibility: For the first time, Alonso explicitly confirms that a program with Aston Martin in the World Endurance Championship could also be an option.
Read more «The app has crashed»: Antonelli experiences flood of messages after Monza win
When asked when news about his future for 2027 can be expected, Alonso answers briefly: “Not so soon.” Why is he taking his time with the decision? “Because I think it’s nice, right?” The two-time world champion also does not expect any special time pressure from Aston Martin.
When a journalist at the press conference before Madrid wanted to know if the team was pushing for an extension in view of other prominent drivers who have already decided on other teams, Alonso denies: “These drivers visited Lawrence in the summer. So there is no urgency.”
Alonso waits for the new rules
For Alonso, the decision is mainly about first understanding the impact of the adjusted rules for 2027. He wants to know what influence the changes will have on the racing and especially on the driving feel of the cars.
“As I said, it’s about understanding if and what influence next year’s rules will have on racing and driving,” said Alonso. From his point of view, the current Formula 1 cars are not particularly good to drive and not particularly entertaining. However, he expects an improvement for 2027.
“But next year, in my opinion, there will be a step in the right direction, hopefully,” explains the Spaniard. At the same time, he has to consider together with Aston Martin which program will be best for him next year.
Alonso explicitly does not rule out a role other than that of a regular driver. “Whether behind the wheel or in another role where I can help the most – that will be the most important thing we have to decide together.”
WEC instead of Formula 1 an option? Alonso says yes
Exactly this statement takes on special significance shortly afterwards when Alonso is asked whether a program with Aston Martin in another racing series – for example in the World Endurance Championship – instead of Formula 1 for 2027 could be an option. Alonso’s answer is clear: “Yes.”
Thus, a commitment for Aston Martin in the WEC from 2027 is at least an explicitly confirmed possibility. However, Alonso does not commit to endurance racing or any other specific role. First, he wants to wait and see how the new regulations affect Formula 1 and the driving experience.
Read more Leclerc accepts blame for Monza with Hamilton: «I went too far»
His decision is then to be made together with Aston Martin. For Alonso, the focus is not necessarily on whether he continues to drive in Formula 1, but in what role he can make the greatest contribution to the project.
Alonso looks back on his legacy in Spain
Apart from his future, Alonso was also asked before Madrid about his significance for motorsport in Spain. When he made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, the series was not nearly as popular in his home country as it is today. His family even followed his races back then on the German broadcaster RTL because Formula 1 was not broadcast in Spain.
“That shows you how small Formula 1 was 20 years ago and how much things have changed,” said Alonso. Today, not only has fan interest grown enormously. Many Spaniards are also active behind the scenes in Formula 1.
Alonso points out that now possibly five, seven, or ten percent of the mechanics and engineers in Formula 1 come from Spain. For him, that is an important part of his personal legacy.
“That is probably another thing we have changed in Spain: the desire to be part of Formula 1 in different roles,” says Alonso. Wins and world championships have been special experiences. But what makes him even prouder is the development of Spanish motorsport overall.
“I don’t know, there are many things outside the car that maybe make me prouder of my career than the results themselves,” says Alonso. Among these, he counts the development in karting, in single-seaters, Spanish teams in various categories, as well as his museum in Spain.
His own future remains open for now. The only clear thing is: Alonso does not want to be rushed – and Aston Martin apparently does not necessarily have to plan with him as a Formula 1 driver for 2027.
Read more Why even engineers have respect for the new steep curve of the Madrings