Fernando Alonso has admitted that this year’s Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix could be his last, dropping a major retirement hint.
Alonso is F1’s most experienced driver, first racing in Barcelona back in 2001 for the Minardi, in a very different generation and era of car.
With a career spanning 25 years across two stints in the sport, he has achieved two world championships, 32 wins, 106 podiums and 22 pole positions; he is one of F1’s most illustrious drivers.
But speculation has grown that Alonso, now 44, is approaching the end of his career, the struggles of Aston Martin potentially accelerating his timeline for departure.
Speaking on Media day in Barcelona on Thursday, Alonso freely admitted that 2026 could be his last race at the track where he has won twice.
“It’s going to be a special weekend, probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week.
“I want to say thanks to everyone. I will try to enjoy the weekend. I will not be competitive and I will not be too long in the car in qualifying. In the race, hopefully yes, but not at the pace we all want.
“I want everyone to still enjoy the weekend. It has always been a celebration when we come to Barcelona. I think this is my 23rd Spanish Grand Prix and all of them, they’ve been magical. This last has to be magical as well.”
Fernando Alonso confirms a final retirement decision incoming
Alonso then outlined when he will make his final decision on continuing in the sport past this season, a stance he previously vocally favoured, but now appears to be questioning due to Aston Martin’s competitiveness woes.
“I don’t really have anything in mind. After the summer I will take the decision whether to continue or not,” Alonso continued.
“Barcelona is obviously not happening next year and if I don’t know what I will do next year, it’s nearly impossible to be sure what I will do in two years’ time.
“I consider that every race I go to this year that potentially it could be my last time in Australia, my last time in China, my last time in Monaco, and here in Barcelona, there is a little bit more of that chance as it is not happening next year as well.”
“For me, the hardest thing is not to win races and be competitive,” he said. “If it’s the last, or not the last, it’s not affecting too much.
“I’m at peace with my career and my life and if anything comes now, [it’s] welcome. If it doesn’t come, it doesn’t change my feeling. I achieved a lot more than I ever dreamt when I was a kid.
“When I was racing in Spain I never dreamt to be a Formula 1 driver, then to race for the best teams in the paddock and stay for a very long time. Everything is a plus and it is a plus now.
“We’re not as competitive as we want to be now and that is probably the biggest pain that we go through every weekend. In terms of personal feeling, it’s not too hard.”
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