At 43, Fernando Alonso remains a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1. Returning to the grid in 2021 after a two-year sabbatical, the Spaniard has shown an unrelenting hunger for success, with eyes still set on a coveted third World Championship. According to his longtime manager, Flavio Briatore, Alonso’s drive is as fierce as ever, even as he looks toward the 2026 season—potentially his final year in the sport.
Alonso: The “Exception” in Longevity and Passion
Briatore, who has managed Alonso for over two decades and now serves as Executive Advisor for Alpine, described the two-time World Champion as a rare breed in the high-pressure world of F1.
“Fernando is the exception. I’ve been his manager for 22 years. He has money, but no children. And he is still hungry,” Briatore stated, emphasizing Alonso’s unique ability to maintain focus and ambition despite his age.
Alonso himself has hinted that the 2026 season, when he’ll be 45, might mark the end of his F1 career. However, Briatore suggests that Alonso’s future could hinge on a lucrative offer from Aston Martin’s owner, Lawrence Stroll, who has heavily invested in the team’s upward trajectory.
Alpine’s Struggles and Briatore’s Optimism
While Alonso has found a competitive resurgence with Aston Martin, the same cannot be said for his former team, Alpine. After a promising fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022, Alpine stagnated, slipping to sixth in both 2023 and 2024.
Despite this, Briatore remains optimistic about Alpine’s long-term prospects, even as they transition to a customer team in 2026 following Renault’s decision to cease its engine operations.
“We have much more aerodynamic leeway than Ferrari or McLaren. In 2026, we want to compete for podium places in 50 percent of all races. Then you automatically win one or another race. In 2027, we must be able to compete for the title,” Briatore declared.
However, the loss of a works team status casts doubt over Alpine’s ability to become a championship contender. Competing with customer engines often comes with limitations, especially when battling established powerhouses like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, the latter set to become Honda’s exclusive partner in 2026.
Aston Martin’s Rising Fortunes and Alonso’s Legacy
Alonso’s decision to join Aston Martin in 2023 has proven fruitful. The team, under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership, has rapidly ascended the competitive ladder, securing a contract with Honda as a works team starting in 2026. With design genius Adrian Newey joining Aston Martin in 2025, the Silverstone-based squad is positioning itself as a serious title contender for the upcoming regulation changes.
Alonso’s contract extension with Aston Martin through 2026 aligns with the team’s ambitious plans. If the stars align, 2026 could offer Alonso the perfect stage to chase his elusive third title before he potentially hangs up his helmet.
The Endgame: Alonso’s Legacy and Briatore’s Vision
For Alonso, his unyielding hunger and ability to defy age have already cemented his place among F1’s greats. Whether or not he clinches a third title, his remarkable career will be remembered for its longevity, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
As for Alpine, Briatore’s optimism about a 2027 title push underscores the French team’s ambitions but raises questions about their ability to compete at the highest level without factory support. The road ahead is steep, and with Renault stepping back, Alpine’s championship hopes may rest more on hope than reality.
Nevertheless, Alonso’s journey to the 2026 season, paired with Aston Martin’s rise and Alpine’s fight for relevance, ensures that the next few years will be a defining chapter not just for Alonso, but for the evolving landscape of Formula 1. Whether 2026 marks a triumphant farewell or another milestone in Alonso’s storied career, one thing is clear: the fire that drives him is far from extinguished.
