The question now is whether Fernando Alonso could return to his former Formula 1 team, Alpine, in 2027
“It will be a special weekend, probably my last Formula 1 race in Barcelona,” said Fernando Alonso ahead of the Barcelona-Catalonia Grand Prix. “That’s why I want to say thank you to everyone.”
Consequently, the possibility of the two-time world champion retiring is being discussed. But while the question arises as to whether the 44-year-old would like to continue driving for Aston Martin in 2027, another option is circulating through the Barcelona paddock: Alpine.
After all, Flavio Briatore, who serves as the Aston Martin driver’s manager, is currently the head of the Enstone-based team. Furthermore, the 32-time Grand Prix winner from Oviedo celebrated his greatest successes with that very team.
From 2003 to 2006, Alonso not only won 15 races with the then-Renault team but also secured both of his world championship titles. He added two more victories during his second stint from 2008 to 2009, though Alonso did not have the package at that time to win another world championship. Instead, stories like the Crashgate scandal took center stage in the media.
In 2021, Alonso celebrated his second comeback with the Enstone team, this time under the name Alpine. While the team offered him the chance to mark his return to Grand Prix racing, this partnership came to an end as early as 2022.
Beyond the symbolic nature of the move, another switch to Alpine could potentially provide Alonso with the best possible package for his situation. The team currently races with a Mercedes power unit and will benefit from substantial support from the fashion brand Gucci starting in 2027. However, nothing has been officially announced in this regard yet.
Furthermore, Alonso’s last appearance in Barcelona does not necessarily mean the end of his career in 2026. After all, the Circuit de Catalunya is not on next year’s race calendar. In other words: even if Alonso were to compete in his final Grand Prix in Barcelona this season, this does not automatically imply anything about his plans for 2027.
Major updates are planned at Aston Martin for the summer. If it turns out that the B-spec of the green car also fails to deliver significant progress, the rumor mill surrounding a potential move by the veteran champion is likely to heat up even more.
Alonso is certainly not lacking in self-confidence either. However, it is well known that the former Ferrari driver is absolutely no fan of the current hybrid formula.
In conclusion, Alonso emphasizes: “After the summer, I will decide whether I continue or not.” Should he actually leave Formula 1, it would be the veteran’s second departure after 2018.