Fernando Alonso in disagreement with Lewis Hamilton as retirement feelings made clear

Daily Mirror

02-05-2025

F1 legend Fernando Alonso has given his thoughts on the idea of racing into his 50s as he looks to make the most of the final years of his career with Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he doesn't see himself driving into his 50s like Lewis Hamilton has predicted. The 43-year-old Spaniard insists he has no plans to stay on the grid at that age, instead choosing to take things "year-by-year" from this point forward.
Back in 2023, Hamilton - now 40 - adopted a "never say never" attitude when asked about racing into his 50s, even suggesting that both he and his long-time rival could still be on the track in their sixth decade. Alonso, however, is adamant that won't be case.
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"I don't see myself [competing in F1 ] at 50," the Aston Martin veteran - and two-time world champion - told formula1.com. "I will drive as long as I feel fast and competitive and the team needs me at the wheel... That's why we kept open the possibility as well."
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Alonso, who turns 44 in July, has had a tough start to the 2025 season, having yet to earn a single point. He's the oldest competitor on the grid, boasting 22 full seasons of top-level experience.
This campaign also marks two decades since his first championship triumph, and while the AMR25 has underperformed, his love for racing is still evident. Alonso is hopeful for the team's future, especially with renowned engineer Adrian Newey now in their ranks and a major overhaul of regulations arriving in 2026.
"I wanted to race this year for sure and next year for sure because of the change of regulations. But after 2026, I don't know. I will go season by season. I will see how I feel, how motivated I am," he said. "Now I am very motivated, but I cannot guarantee that for three or four years and compromise the team. So we said let's do it until the end of 2026."
Alonso's honesty underscores his commitment to Aston Martin's long-term success, a team he believes is building toward becoming championship contenders. He has also expressed a willingness to contribute in any way possible.
"We can sit and talk honestly between all of us and check what is best for the team. I will always be in a position to help the team with whatever they need," he insisted. "If it's behind the wheel, I will extend the contract if they think that way, and I feel motivated."
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He continued: "My contract is much longer than my racing career, so I will stay with this team for many, many years in a different role. If that means we can win a World Championship even when I'm not behind the wheel, I will still feel very proud of the project."
Although results have been hard to come by lately, Alonso remains enthusiastic about the team's development. "I did enjoy 2023, being competitive. And I do enjoy now the process that we are in and the building of this team of the future," he said.
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His decision to leave Alpine for Aston Martin in 2023 was based on the belief that the team offered a more promising short-term path to victory, especially considering his limited remaining time in the sport. "I don't have a long-term future, I will not race forever," he admitted.
Driven by a desire to win more races - and potentially a third championship - Alonso remains sharply focused. Still, if he begins to feel a drop in performance or motivation, he won't hesitate to make way. "If I don't feel fast enough, I will be the first one to raise my hand," he stressed.
At least through 2026, Alonso is fully committed, betting on the regulation changes and Newey's arrival to elevate Aston Martin's status. While Hamilton keeps the door open for a long career, Alonso's strategy is more measured: race with purpose, aid the team's ascent, and bow out on his own terms - well before turning 50.