Fernando Alonso’s longtime manager and confidante Flavio Briatore has revealed that the two-time World Champion is likely to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season. Just last month, Alonso celebrated his 43rd birthday, marking over two decades in the sport since his debut with Minardi in 2001.
Alonso, who holds the record for the most experienced driver in F1 history with 391 grand prix starts, returned to the sport in 2021 after a two-year break. In April, Aston Martin announced that the Spanish driver had signed a new multi-year contract, keeping him with the team until at least the end of 2026. This extension aligns with the introduction of new regulations and the start of Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda.
Discussing Alonso’s future on the Formula For Success podcast, Briatore—who managed Alonso during his consecutive title wins with Renault in 2005 and 2006—suggested that Alonso may decide to retire at the end of his current contract. Despite the commitment to 2026, there appears to be an option for Alonso to extend his career further, contingent on his performance and feelings at the time.
Briatore emphasized Alonso’s unparalleled commitment and fitness, noting, “Fernando is still motivated like a young driver. He’s super fit, maybe more fit now than when he was driving for me. He’s living in Monaco, doing a bicycle ride every day, and carefully managing his diet.” According to Briatore, Alonso has never lost his determination, consistently pushing to improve his race positions regardless of where he starts on the grid.
Highlighting Alonso’s recent performance at Spa, Briatore said, “He was very smart. He did one pit stop and this was the way to go, because of his experience.” However, he admitted uncertainty about Alonso’s decision post-2026, explaining, “It depends on the feeling he has about racing and the timing. I don’t know if he’ll have a family at the time and whatever.”
With over two decades of collaboration, Briatore holds a unique perspective on Alonso’s career and character. “I’ve been managing Fernando Alonso for 22 years now. We’ve had 22 years of marriage,” he quipped, underscoring the depth of their professional relationship. Briatore attributes Alonso’s longevity to his disciplined lifestyle and relentless drive, making it clear that whatever decision Alonso makes about his future, it will be driven by his passion for the sport.
As it stands, Fernando Alonso’s remarkable F1 journey may conclude at the end of 2026. However, with his unparalleled dedication and physical fitness, the decision to continue racing remains firmly in his hands. Fans and the F1 community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on his next moves.
