Source:REUTERS/Johanna Geron
[Saba Sports News] Aston Martin announced in April this year that Fernando Alonso has signed a new multi-year contract with the team, lasting until at least the end of the 2026 season. Flavio Briatore, former team principal of Renault and Alonso’s mentor, recently stated in an interview that Alonso will retire from racing after the 2026 season. Briatore emphasized that self-discipline is a key factor in Alonso’s long career. He maintains a daily exercise routine, such as cycling, running tens of kilometers, and going to the gym. As 2026 is the first year of the F1 rule changes and marks the beginning of Aston Martin’s collaboration with Honda, it remains unknown whether the driver can adapt. If Alonso feels he is struggling, he will choose to leave F1 again. Records show that Alonso is the most experienced driver in F1 history. Since his debut at Minardi in 2001, he has participated in a total of 391 Grand Prix races. The two-time world champion returned to the grid in 2021 after a two-year break from F1. Last month, Alonso celebrated his 43rd birthday at the racetrack.