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MADRID — Fernando Alonso has cast fresh doubt on his Formula 1 future, admitting he is considering a move to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027 — or even stepping away from driving entirely. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, the 45-year-old Aston Martin driver stressed there is “no urgency” to decide, but acknowledged that racing in WEC is a “real possibility.”
The two-time world champion’s comments come as Aston Martin continues to lag in the midfield, with Alonso scoring just three points in 13 races this season. His best finish was ninth at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. More tellingly, he openly criticized the current generation of F1 cars, calling them “not the best cars to drive and to enjoy,” and suggested that next year’s revised regulations may finally address driver concerns.
“It’s a matter of understanding what the rules from next year will have an impact — or not — on the racing and on the driving side of things,” Alonso said Thursday at the Circuito de Madrid. “The current cars, as I’ve said many times, are not ideal. But next year there is a step in the right direction, hopefully. At the same time, I need to think about what is the best program for next year and sit with the team. Behind the wheel or in another role — where I will be helping the most — that will be the most important thing to decide together.”
Alonso did not detail what “another role” might entail, but insiders suggest he could transition into an ambassadorial or advisory position at Aston Martin, similar to the roles held by other veteran drivers like Jenson Button at Williams. Meanwhile, sources close to the WEC paddock indicate Alonso has already held exploratory talks with top LMP2 and Hypercar teams, though no formal agreements are in place.
The Spaniard’s frustration is shared by several drivers, including reigning champion Max Verstappen, who earlier this year said he considered leaving F1 if the sport’s direction didn’t change. F1 responded in June by announcing a shift toward more engine power and less reliance on electrical hybrid power from 2026 onward. However, Alonso remains skeptical about whether the changes will return the “pure driving” feel he craves.
“My best day of the year so far was driving an older McLaren car in Barcelona recently,” Alonso said. “You know, I drove cars with no batteries, no nothing. I just put fuel, tires, lots of noise, lots of vibrations, earplugs — it was amazing. That reminded me why I love racing.”
Alonso’s candid remarks put added pressure on Aston Martin to deliver a competitive car before the 2026 regulation overhaul. Team principal Mike Krack acknowledged this week that the current AMR24 lacks race-winning pace, but insisted the team is “fully committed” to giving Alonso a package worthy of his talent. “Fernando is a legend of the sport, and we want him to end his F1 career on a high note — whether that’s with us or elsewhere,” Krack said in a pre-race interview.
The Spanish Grand Prix returns to Madrid after a 45-year absence, but Alonso has no illusions about his chances. He has won three times in Spain during his career — twice in Barcelona and once in Valencia — but admits a victory this weekend is out of reach.
“It will not happen this year,” he said bluntly. “Yes, we are aware of that, and we will work toward getting a more competitive package and have that possibility in the future.”
As the 2024 season winds down, Alonso’s future remains one of the most compelling storylines in the paddock. With several top seats potentially opening up for 2026 — including at Mercedes and Red Bull — and a growing interest in endurance racing, the veteran driver’s next move could reshape the driver market. Whether he stays in F1 or heads to WEC, Alonso insists the decision will be made on his own timeline.
“There’s no rush,” he repeated. “I want to enjoy every race left, and then sit down calmly with my team and my family. The most important thing is to be happy with whatever I choose.”
