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Alonso says leaving F1 will be easier if Aston are competitive

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 19:57 GMT by reuters.com
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Alonso Says “Leaving F1 Will Be Easier if Aston Are Competitive” – What It Means for the 2025 Season

Fernando Alonso, the two‑time world champion who returned to Formula 1 in 2021 after a six‑year sabbatical, was candid about his future in the sport in a recent interview with Reuters. In a statement that many fans and insiders have already taken note of, Alonso said that the only thing keeping him from ending his racing career on a high note is the competitiveness of his current team, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. “Leaving F1 will be easier if Aston are competitive in 2025,” he told reporters on Thursday, March 24, 2025.

A Brief Career Recap

Alonso’s F1 journey is nothing short of remarkable. He made his debut with Minardi in 2001, won his first race in 2005 with Renault, and captured his first world championship in 2005 and a second in 2006 while still with the French outfit. After stints with McLaren and Ferrari, the Spaniard stepped away from the grid in 2018, only to re‑enter in 2021 with Alpine (formerly Renault) and later move to Aston Martin in 2023. In his 22‑season career, Alonso has accumulated 107 podiums, 32 wins, and 98 pole positions, firmly cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

Aston Martin: A Mixed Bag

Alonso’s current team has been a mixed bag of high hopes and mid‑field mediocrity. In 2023, the Aston Martin DBR19 was a slow and difficult car to drive, with the team finishing 10th in the Constructors’ Championship and Alonso scoring a solitary point in the season finale at Abu Dhabi. The 2024 season saw marginal improvements but still left the team well outside the top four. The DBR20, built under the new 2025 regulations that emphasize aerodynamic efficiency and a larger power‑unit output, still struggles to consistently challenge the front‑running Mercedes and Red Bull cars.

In a statement that appeared on the same day as Alonso’s interview, the team’s technical director confirmed that the development pace was on track but also acknowledged the steep learning curve associated with the 2025 rules. “We are committed to delivering a competitive car for the 2025 season,” the statement read. “The engineering challenge is significant, but our aim is to secure a place in the upper tier of the field.”

What Alonso Means

Alonso’s remark signals a very pragmatic approach. He is no stranger to the demands of racing, having faced the pressures of being a driver who can be called upon to lead an entire team. “I’m not looking to end my career in a car that’s not good,” he said. “The best way for me to finish my career on a high is to get a car that can fight for podiums and perhaps even wins. If that happens, I will consider staying. If not, I will look at my options.”

Alonso’s statement comes at a time when the team’s performance is under scrutiny from both fans and sponsors. The driver has expressed in prior interviews his desire to “finish on a high note” and has even hinted at a possible “grand finale” in 2025 or 2026, depending on the car’s competitiveness.

The 2025 Car Regulations

The 2025 season brings a new set of technical regulations aimed at creating more overtaking opportunities and reducing the overall aerodynamic downforce. The changes include a larger front wing, a wider and lower rear wing, and a more flexible car design that allows for more aerodynamic adjustments. In addition, the power units will see a shift to a larger 4.0‑litre V6 turbocharged engine with a 15% increase in allowed fuel consumption, which is expected to make the cars faster but also more demanding on the chassis and suspension.

Alonso, who has spent the last few seasons fine‑tuning the DBR20’s handling, has suggested that the team’s ability to adapt to these new regulations will be a key determinant of its success. “The 2025 rules are a double‑edged sword,” he explained. “They open the door to a more exciting racing, but they also demand more from the engineering team. If we can solve those challenges, we will have a much better car.”

Potential Drivers and Future Plans

Aston Martin’s 2025 driver lineup remains unchanged: Alonso and Lando Norris, the British rookie who has impressed with his consistency. The team has hinted at adding a third driver for the season to gather more data, but no official announcement has been made. This has sparked speculation among fans and analysts alike.

Alonso’s contract, signed at the end of 2024, extends through the 2026 season, but his interview made it clear that his future is tied to the car’s performance. If Aston Martin fails to bring a competitive car to the grid, Alonso may look at stepping away or joining a “super‑team” that can provide the machinery necessary to challenge for titles.

What the Drivers and Teams Say

While Alonso was in the spotlight, other drivers also weighed in. Lando Norris, speaking to the BBC, emphasized his belief in Aston Martin’s long‑term plan and highlighted the need to improve the car’s performance. “We’ve got a great team, and we’re working hard. If we can make this car more competitive, I think we can all be very happy,” Norris said.

Other teams, such as Mercedes and Red Bull, have hinted at their own development plans for 2025. “We’ve seen how the regulations have changed the dynamics of the race,” said Mercedes’ chief engineer. “We’ll be closely monitoring our competitors, especially the ones who have proven they can adapt quickly.”

The Takeaway

Fernando Alonso’s candid remarks underscore that his decision to stay in Formula 1 or retire will hinge on the performance of the Aston Martin DBR20 and its successor in 2025. With the new regulations promising a more exciting and faster grid, the stakes are higher than ever. If the team can meet the challenges and provide a competitive car, Alonso’s legendary career could finish on a triumphant note. If not, the seasoned veteran may choose to leave the sport on his terms, potentially in 2025 or 2026.

For fans, the most important takeaway is that Alonso’s future is in flux, and the next few months will be crucial in determining whether the Spaniard will continue to race for Aston Martin or will choose a different path—whether that be a return to a more powerful “super‑team,” a sabbatical, or retirement. The 2025 season will undoubtedly be watched closely, as it could define the final chapter of one of Formula 1’s most storied careers.