Alonso knows when his time in F1 will come to an end: 'I will be the first to say'

Fernando Alonso has commented on what the future may hold for him regarding Formula 1, saying he "will be the first" to realise when his time is done.

The Spaniard first made his F1 debut for Minardi in 2001, and now, 24 years later, he is still behind the wheel of an F1 car.

The 43-year-old has two world titles to his name, winning them with Renault in 2005 and 2006, with 32 wins, 22 pole positions and 97 podiums all tallied up in what has been a stellar career so far in the pinnacle of motorsport.

However, there is still potentially more that could come for Alonso and Aston Martin, with a lot of excitement surrounding the British team in 2026 with the regulation change after bringing in Honda as their engine manufacturer, and signing Adrian Newey after he left Red Bull Racing in 2024.

Alonso not sure what will come after 2026

Alonso knows there is potential for Aston Martin after the 2025 season concldues, and that was the biggest factor in the Spaniard's contract negotiations.

"That's why we kept open the possibility," stated Alonso while speaking in Thursday's press conference at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

"I wanted to race this year for sure and next year for sure because there was a change in regulations, and I wanted to experience the 2026 rules, and Honda coming to the team, and then the surprise that Adrian was joining the team a few months after that, so there were things that were appealing last year when we sat together and negotiated the contract.

"But after 2026, I don't know. I will go season by season. I will see how I feel, how motivated I am. Now, I am very motivated, but I cannot guarantee that for three, four years and compromise the team. So, we said, 'Let's do it until the end of 2026,' and then from then on," continued the 43-year-old

Read also

Alonso on Verstappen threatening his seat at Aston Martin: 'Welcome to the team'

Will Newey change paths at Aston Martin? 'It's a resource split'

The Spaniard may keep racing for another couple of years, but he acknowledges that he will be the first to know when his time in F1 is up.

"I think I have an incredible relationship with Lawrence and with Lance, and we can sit and talk honestly between all of us and check what is best for the team, and I will always be in a position to help the team with whatever they need.

"If it's behind the wheel, I will extend the contract if they think that way, and I feel motivated. If it's in another position, or I don't feel fast enough, I will be the first one to raise my hand," concluded Alonso.