"Each time I tune into a race on television, I can't help but believe I could perform better" – The true motivation behind Fernando Alonso's continued presence in F1.
It had been anticipated for quite some time, but just prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the announcement was finally made official: Fernando Alonso will extend his remarkable Formula 1 career for another year, marking 2027 as his 24th season in the top tier of motorsport.
Nearly everyone in the paddock was already aware of Alonso's decision to remain, which explains why Mike Krack repeatedly mentioned his "relaxed" demeanor despite the protracted announcement process.
The journey that led to a new contract for 2027 was quite straightforward, as Alonso shared during media day at Sepang.
"I made the decision not too long ago, and discussing it with Lawrence was very simple," he stated. "There wasn’t much to deliberate. We both wanted to keep going at that point. It was a five-minute conversation and then we made it public."
Nonetheless, the timing of the announcement is noteworthy. In Madrid, Alonso indicated that his future would be heavily influenced by the regulatory changes set for 2027. In the coming years, the ratio between internal combustion engines and electric power will shift towards 60-40 in two phases, with the target for 2027 being 58-42.
Despite no changes in next year’s regulations since Madrid, Alonso has still opted to continue. The primary reason for his choice appears to be somewhat different: Alonso expresses that he still feels a strong passion for racing and isn’t ready to let that go.
"I have no assurances that 2027 will be more enjoyable, but it’s a commitment you have to make to yourself," he remarked. "Ultimately, I feel quick, I feel driven, and I enjoy what I’m doing."
"That’s how I felt during my time away from F1; watching the races made me think, 'Wow, this and that isn’t right.' I always had the urge to be there and strive for improvement."
"I still feel that drive, and I’ve said that as long as I maintain that fire within me, it’s not the time to step away."
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
The new contract ensures Alonso will continue racing in F1 next year at the age of 46. When asked about the brevity of his conversation with Stroll regarding another year, he humorously noted: "Well, it wasn’t about family obligations, but more about my perspective on life and motorsport."
"My wife is incredibly supportive; she’s feeling the strain this year as well and worries about my well-being when we’re not competitive! So, I think it’s better for her… she prefers me away when we’re not in the fight!"
That being said, Alonso is actively advocating for further changes to the regulations. In Madrid, he expressed that he hasn’t completely lost hope for additional adjustments before the next season, even proposing a specific idea in Baku.
The two-time champion suggested restricting the battery’s maximum output for extended durations, allowing speed profiles to become more organic again, with drivers only reaching peak speeds at the end of a straight, rather than midway before entering clipping or super clipping.
There hasn’t been any progress on that front since Madrid, but when Motorsport.com inquired about his belief in potential changes, the Oviedo native responded: "I have hopes, yes."
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
According to the Aston Martin driver, further modifications are essential to enhance the sport as a whole, a point that the brief visit to Sepang reinforces once again.
"We arrive at this incredible circuit now, but it’ll be disappointing in the middle sector because we can’t utilize the battery there," he stated.
"If you do, then you won’t have any battery left for the three consecutive straights from Turn 15 to the last corner, from the last corner to Turn 1, and from Turn 1 to Turn 3.
You need to deplete the full battery on those three straights, so the rest is merely recharging the battery. These are the challenges we’re currently facing in terms of pushing the cars to their grip limits. But I think that maybe next year, with the 60-40 split and the second year of these rules, we might find a better balance."
Additionally, Alonso aims to give Aston Martin’s ambitious project another shot, hoping for a year where he can reap the benefits of all the behind-the-scenes investments.
"I said, let’s give it one more go, let’s provide it with another chance," he clarified. "Especially regarding the power unit, we started off on the wrong foot, and it’s uncertain what will unfold next year. But yes, I believe they deserve another opportunity and I still feel quick."
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