Fernando Alonso says he will retire from F1 before turning 50

Alonso remains committed to Aston Martin’s long-term project but confirms he won't be racing at age 50.

Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team speaks to the media during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 17, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Fernando Alonso says he will retire from F1 before turning 50, even as he gears up to lead Aston Martin into their milestone 100th race in Formula One this weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The 43-year-old, still bursting with energy and enthusiasm, made it clear on Thursday that while his passion for the sport remains intact, his racing days have an expiration date.

"I'm not going to be driving at 50," Alonso stated firmly during his media appearance. Despite the definitive nature of his remark, Alonso also left room for flexibility, suggesting his commitment to Aston Martin remains strong, especially with the promise of a new era under legendary car designer Adrian Newey.

Defying age, embracing the future

Now 43, Alonso continues to impress with his drive and dedication. While many drivers his age have long since hung up their helmets, Alonso remains a central figure in the paddock. He’s still outperforming expectations and providing valuable experience to an Aston Martin team that’s rapidly evolving from midfield runners to title contenders.

Though younger drivers like Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman are making headlines, Alonso—older than the two of them combined—continues to lead the charge at Aston Martin. His role in the team has grown beyond the track. He’s part leader, part mentor, and part cornerstone of Aston Martin’s ambitious project.

"I’m very motivated. Let’s go until 2026, and then we’ll talk," Alonso said. “But no, not at 50 for sure.”

All eyes on 2026

Alonso’s vision is clearly tied to Formula One’s next major transformation in 2026, when sweeping technical changes are set to reshape the grid once again. It’s also the year Adrian Newey’s influence will fully manifest at Aston Martin, following his high-profile move from Red Bull.

Newey, who has been the mastermind behind Red Bull’s recent dominance—13 titles including six drivers' and seven constructors’ championships—is reportedly focused entirely on the 2026 car project.

“He’s working only on ‘26, and I totally support that,” Alonso said. “I want to drive an Adrian-designed car.”

That prospect appears to be the final major goal Alonso has set for his F1 journey. Whether or not the results come before then, he sees the collaboration as a fitting final chapter to his storied career.

A century of races and a new chapter

As Aston Martin prepares for its 100th Grand Prix appearance, Alonso reflected on the journey since he joined the team in 2023 after a stint with Alpine.

“It’s been an incredible journey so far,” he said. “We are a much better team, a much more prepared team to fight for world championships than we were two years ago.”

Alonso acknowledged the team’s slow start to the 2025 season. He has yet to score a point this year, but he remains optimistic. “The results on Sundays are not what we want right now,” he admitted. “But I feel very relaxed, very motivated.”

According to Alonso, Aston Martin's infrastructure has significantly improved. In the past, they were still using Mercedes' wind tunnel and operating from a relatively small factory. “Now we have better facilities, better people, and better partners,” he said. “This is just a transition time.”

Legacy in the making

Alonso’s legacy in Formula One is already secured. With two world championships and over two decades at the highest level of motorsport, he stands as one of the sport’s most respected and longest-serving figures. But for the Spaniard, it’s not just about legacy—it’s about purpose.

"Right now, I feel useful, and that’s important to me. When I feel I’m no longer contributing, I’ll step away," he explained.

That time may come sooner than fans would like. But Alonso has always done things on his own terms. If 2026 proves to be his final full season, it won’t be a farewell tour—it will be the final act of a career defined by resilience, evolution, and enduring brilliance.

Aston Martin’s hopes riding on experience and innovation

As Aston Martin eyes the future, Alonso remains their focal point—not just because of his talent, but because of the stability and insight he brings to a team still finding its identity at the sharp end of the grid.

Team principal Mike Krack and owner Lawrence Stroll have made no secret of their aspirations to turn Aston Martin into championship contenders. The signing of Adrian Newey was a massive step in that direction. But having Alonso at the heart of the project provides the perfect bridge between experience and innovation.

“He’s not just a driver,” Krack said recently. “He’s a development partner, a leader, and someone who’s helping shape this team’s DNA.”

Future beyond the wheel?

When Alonso finally decides to step away from racing, few doubt that he’ll remain connected to the sport. Whether in a development role at Aston Martin or behind the scenes helping shape the next generation of talent, his expertise will remain in high demand.

Still, for now, Alonso is very much in the thick of things. As the paddock heads into the Jeddah weekend, the Spaniard isn’t thinking about goodbyes. He’s thinking about lap times, upgrades, and how to bring Aston Martin back to the podium.

What’s next?

While Alonso made it clear he won’t still be on the grid at 50, he left open the possibility of extending his career by another year or two, depending on how things unfold.

“After 2026, we’ll see. It depends how I feel, what the team needs, and where we are in terms of competitiveness,” he said.

As fans and teams alike try to predict Alonso’s next move, the man himself remains focused, methodical, and calm—as always.

The question is not whether Fernando Alonso will retire, but when. And as the sun begins to set on one of F1’s greatest careers, Alonso ensures that it will happen on his own terms, with ambition and clarity.