Fernando Alonso has made it clear he won’t be following Lewis Hamilton’s suggestion that Formula 1 drivers could race into their 50s. The 43-year-old Spaniard and two-time world champion says he has no intention of competing at that age, preferring to take his career one season at a time.
In 2023, Hamilton—now 40—expressed openness to racing well into his 50s, speculating that both he and Alonso might still be on the grid a decade from now. Alonso, however, has ruled that out. “I don’t see myself in Formula 1 at 50,” he told Formula1.com. “I will drive as long as I feel fast and competitive and the team still wants me. That’s why we’re keeping things flexible.”
Currently the oldest driver on the grid, Alonso turns 44 in July and is now in his 22nd F1 season. Though he hasn’t scored points yet in the 2025 campaign, his enthusiasm for the sport remains strong, even as he battles with the underperforming AMR25 car.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Alonso’s first world title, a testament to his longevity and love for the sport. Despite current challenges, he remains optimistic about Aston Martin’s direction—especially with the anticipated 2026 regulation changes and the recent signing of famed designer Adrian Newey.
“I definitely wanted to race this year and next because of the new rules in 2026,” Alonso explained. “But after that, who knows? I’ll go season by season and evaluate how I feel and how motivated I am. Right now, I’m very motivated, but I can’t guarantee that in three or four years. I don’t want to make commitments I can’t keep.”
Alonso emphasized that he wants to be honest with Aston Martin about his future, always putting the team first. “If they need me behind the wheel and I still feel competitive, I’ll extend. If not, I’ll support them however I can,” he said. “I’ll always be available to help, even in a different role.”
He also revealed that his commitment to the team goes well beyond racing. “My contract with Aston Martin lasts longer than my driving career. If I can help win a championship even after I’ve stepped away from the car, I’ll be incredibly proud.”
Despite a rough 2025 start, Alonso says he’s inspired by the team’s development. “I enjoyed being competitive in 2023, and I enjoy being part of the growth process now,” he said.
Alonso moved to Aston Martin from Alpine in 2023, believing the team had a better short-term outlook—key for a driver aware his window of opportunity is narrowing. “I know I don’t have a long-term future. I won’t race forever,” he admitted.
Still, his drive for a third world title keeps him going. But should that hunger fade, or his performance slip, he’s ready to walk away. “If I don’t feel fast enough, I’ll be the first to raise my hand,” he said.
While Hamilton considers a future that stretches into his 50s, Alonso’s path is clearly defined: compete at the highest level through 2026, support the team’s ambitions, and retire on his own terms—well before turning 50.