Fernando Alonso, the veteran Formula 1 driver, continues to reflect on his illustrious career and aspirations for the future, notably his desire for a third world championship. At 43 years old, Alonso’s yearning may seem surprising, especially considering it has been 18 years since he last claimed the title. His determination and outlook are a testament to his lifelong passion for the sport. In a candid statement, Alonso declared, “I still dream. Why not?” This phrase encapsulates his enduring optimism and belief that anything is possible in Formula 1, a realm where unexpected triumphs can occur at any moment.
Alonso reminisces about his career, which has seen both peaks and valleys. Despite not having won a Grand Prix in the past eleven years, he recently found renewed hope driving for Aston Martin, where he made a marked re-emergence as a competitive racer. While he enjoyed several podium finishes early in the 2023 season, his team’s performance dwindled. Nevertheless, Alonso remains convinced that opportunities for victory—and potentially another championship—might not be far off. His optimism is grounded in the rational belief that with the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey at Aston Martin in 2025, the team’s prospects could change fundamentally.
Adrian Newey, a prominent figure in F1 history, is expected to revolutionize the car under new regulations slated for implementation in 2026. Alonso acknowledges the high expectations surrounding this partnership, aware that time is running short in his racing career with only a couple of years left before his contract concludes at the end of 2026. During this crucial period, Alonso will focus on delivering results while embracing the challenges that come with it, driven by the ambitions that still stir within him.
As Alonso prepares for this pivotal transition, he also contemplates the bittersweet nature of achieving a long-awaited collaboration with Newey. The two figures have come close to working together in the past but have been unable to align their paths until now. To Alonso, it feels like destiny that they are finally collaborating, though he recognizes it comes at the tail end of his career. Nonetheless, this partnership represents a unique opportunity for both to achieve significant success.
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin will extend until he is almost 45, which is a rarity in the modern era of Formula 1. He often downplays concerns about age, emphasizing the importance of performance over the number of years he’s been racing. Alonso insists that his mental and physical capabilities remain sharp, maintaining that his rigorous training and dedication are key factors in his longevity.
Interestingly, he attributes his resilience to a consistent commitment to his craft, eschewing distractions that might hinder his focus. Alonso’s dedication has allowed him to remain competitive, and he believes that if he reaches a point where he feels he cannot meet the demands of the sport, he would willingly retire from racing.
One of the reasons Alonso’s passion for racing has not waned is his desire for competitive equipment. Throughout his career, both of his championships came with considerable challenges, as he often drove cars that were not the quickest. His drive to excel remains bolstered by the hope of racing a top-tier car once more, invigorated by memories of his past successes and the joy driving a dominant car can bring.
As he approaches 2026 and considers whether to extend his career beyond his current contract, Alonso reflects on his enjoyment of the sport. He intends to savor every moment behind the wheel, with the possibility of future success always at the forefront of his mind. Alonso embodies the spirit of F1 as a sport where dreams persist, showcasing that ambition, paired with skill and determination, can yield incredible results regardless of age. Ultimately, he hopes, through his perseverance, to re-establish himself as a leading figure in the racing world and inspire a new generation of fans and drivers.
