Alonso sets his conditions for retirement
Fernando Alonso faces the new regulatory period with a fairly clear idea of the terms in which he wants to retire from Formula 1. The Aston Martin driver states that his departure will not be like that of many other athletes.
At 44 years old, Fernando Alonso feels that he still has the speed and ability to compete at the highest level in Formula 1. In fact, his performance supports this.
However, at this point in his professional career, the Asturian driver is very aware that, in reality, the limiting factor is motivation and commitment to a life fully dedicated to racing.
And, in that sense, Fernando Alonso feels that the end is near. As close as one or two years at most. But, what factors will influence the decision and how will the moment of farewell occur?
«For the second or third year, it is guaranteed that Aston Martin will do things right»
The new regulation is key
Fernando Alonso left Formula 1 in 2018, but the arrival of a new regulation made him return in 2021 with the hope of achieving success in the top category again. During this period, the Asturian has accumulated nine podiums and embarked on a highly ambitious project like Aston Martin.
And now he finds himself in a similar situation: waiting for the start of a disruptive regulatory period that promises to alter the hierarchical order of the grid. That is, a new motivation that allows him to keep trying.
«A lot, because I know it is my last opportunity», responds Fernando Alonso when asked about the influence of the new regulation on his stay in Formula 1. «It is the differential factor. The other regulatory changes I saw simply as a change, hoping it would go well and my team would succeed in interpreting the regulation and have a fast car».
«But this one is different, because it is the last regulatory change I will experience and it is the last opportunity to try to win another grand prix, enjoy good things, get on the podium, and fight for a championship», he adds. «There are many hopes placed on the 2026 change. Although it may not be stronger or weaker than other previous rule changes, for me emotionally it is a very important change.
When to say "enough"
Fernando Alonso was clear that he wanted to experience the new regulation before leaving Formula 1. But that will happen next year, and what will happen after that, once he turns 45?
«It depends on how I feel next year, how I feel physically and mentally», reveals the two-time Formula 1 world champion. «But I don’t know. Right now I don’t have a clear idea. If the car performs well, there is a high probability that it will be my last year.
This indicates that Alonso is more inclined to say goodbye at his highest level, thus leaving a good taste in the mouths of fans.
«Yes. I know I have more chances of doing well in 2027 or 2028, when there is stability in the human group we have now with Adrian Newey and the others», admits Alonso. «The first year they might do things right, but for the second or third it is guaranteed that they will do things right».
«But I have to see it for myself. If the car performs poorly, there is a possibility that I will continue for another year to end on a good note. If the car performs well, it is likely that 2026 will be my last year», reiterates the Asturian.
And Alonso is very clear: when he leaves, «it will not be due to a lack of competitiveness. When I leave Formula 1, I want to leave as I am now, considering myself the best. And that people outside, at least 30 or 40%, still consider me the best».
«I don’t want to leave because I have lost abilities. I am going to enjoy next year and I will take it year by year. But yes, I want to leave on a high note», concludes Fernando Alonso. Words that carry an implicit message for all of us: «Enjoy while you can my presence in F1, the end is near».
Fuente: As.comFotos: Aston Martin F1
