Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has stated that Fernando Alonso should “compete in other races,” saying his moment “has already passed,” given Aston Martin’s struggles.
The Spaniard, now 44, has suffered a miserable start to the 2026 season, with the Silverstone-based squad suffering two non-finishes in the first two opening rounds of the season.
Honda’s power unit has been a significant catalyst for this, with its battery being a cause of vibration that is putting, according to Team Principal Adrian Newey, both Alonso and Lance Stroll under risk of “permanent nerve damage”.
Is it rendering Alonso’s year to a likelihood of one of abject misery, and with the two-time World Champion turning 45 this year, there is an extreme possibility, on paper at least, that there aren’t many years left to run.
There is nothing to suggest this from Alonso’s side, given his continuing enthusiasm for racing, even if the new regulations are not to his liking.
But according to Massa, his former Ferrari team-mate mighe ought to think about looking at other forms of racing to keep the fire burning, but without the possibility of his F1 career continuing to stagnate in terms of results.
“Fernando’s moment has already passed,” he told Jugones. “It is time to compete in other races.
“It is going to be one of Fernando’s worst years. You have to be patient… but being patient at 44 years old is not easy.”
Alonso is undeniably in an unenviable position right now, and his 2026 looks bleak, particularly given he is unable to finish a race due to the vibration, even if the car is able to make it to the finish.
Aston must do what it can to keep Alonso in the team and in F1, as his presence must surely be a galvanising presence, and with there appearing to be little slowing in age, Alonso will be in F1 as long as there is still life, and fight, in the old dog yet.
READ MORE – Fernando Alonso details Aston Martin ‘journey’ as struggles continue
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