Aston Martin Formula 1 Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa has indicated that Fernando Alonso will decide on his future in the sport when he feels the time is right.
The Spaniard has been at the centre of continuous speculation that he will hang up his helmet at the end of the season, amid a tough campaign for him and the Silverstone-based squad.
Alonso recently became the 14th-oldest F1 points-scorer of all-time, with his ninth-place finish in Holland, taking Aston Martin’s 2026 tally to three so far.
Aston’s struggles this season have been well-documented amid a difficult adjustment to the sport’s radical new rulebook, something that Alonso has publicly spoken his dislike of.
That and the inconclusive timeframe of Aston’s return to being regular points-scorers has led many to theorise that it may spell the end of his career in F1.
But de la Rosa, speaking in an exclusive interview with Motorsport Week, is keeping an open mind on what his countryman will choose to do.
“What I try with Fernando is [that] I don’t ask him if he will stay or not, if he will remain in the sport or not,” he said. “I think that the best way, as we are good friends, we know each other well, is just let him get on with it and take the decision that he feels more comfortable with.
“He knows that we would love him to stay. He knows that I want him to stay, but we have to just respect him, give him some space to take the best possible decision for himself. So that’s what it is.”
The ‘value’ Fernando Alonso brings
De la Rosa detailed what attributes Alonso gives to the team, apart from his performance on track, which, when given the chance, has been shown to still be fresh and present.
“I just love to work with him. We know each other and I think that Fernando brings so many things to the team. Not only raw speed, but his feedback is outstanding. He also gives priorities. He is very clear on what is needed in the team and when.
“On a cost-cap world, I think this is very valuable. And with Fernando, you know, we come here to Madrid, new track, after a few laps you know how competitive you are and how competitive any driver can drive this car to what limits. So let’s wait and see what happens.”
De la Rosa jokingly gave a more selfish reason for why he would love to keep Alonso within the team and the sport.
“One of the reasons why I came back here to work in Formula 1 is to work with Fernando. So I hope he stays!” he said. “Let’s wait and see. In any case, we should not forget, we have to give our drivers a better package. I think this is the key.
“It doesn’t matter who you have, but you have to give them a car where they can really have fun, exploit the limits and bring good results.
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