The 2026 Formula 1 season has started with major issues for Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso has failed to finish twice due to technical failures, and the team is under pressure after failing to show progress. Concern is growing within the organization—not just because of the results, but also due to the risk of losing one of the most decorated Spanish drivers in history. Pedro de la Rosa, who has long worked with the team and knows Alonso personally, admits that the prospect of the two-time world champion leaving is becoming more real if things don’t change.
In recent weeks, discussions about Alonso’s future have reached a new level. After disappointing races in Australia and China, and as Aston Martin searches for a new team principal, rumors are spreading in the paddock about the Spaniard potentially ending his career at the end of this season. According to de la Rosa, it would be fitting to see Alonso finish his career at the top, not struggling with technical problems. However, the team still can’t offer him a car that can fight for victories, raising concerns among many motorsport fans.
Internal fears
Pedro de la Rosa says he can’t stop thinking about Alonso’s possible departure. He stresses that, in sport, things usually fall into place and true justice is giving a champion the chance to leave on a high note—with a victory. Despite Aston Martin’s management insisting the team can turn things around, the opening rounds of the season offer little optimism. There are still 20 races ahead, but there are no signs yet that the Honda engine problems will be resolved quickly. The next stop is the Japanese Grand Prix, where the team is expected at least to deliver a consistent finish.
Tension is growing within the team: Alonso and Lance Stroll have voiced their frustrations, while fans worry the era of the Spanish champion may end this year. De la Rosa believes the team must do everything possible to give Alonso a competitive car, or risk losing not just the driver, but part of its own identity.
A future without Alonso
Losing a driver like Fernando Alonso would be a major blow to Spanish motorsport. De la Rosa notes there is no guarantee another Spaniard will emerge in the coming years who can match his achievements. Many hope Carlos Sainz will carry on the legacy, but Alonso’s level remains unique. The question of succession is growing more urgent, as the departure of the two-time champion could leave a void that’s difficult to fill.
Alonso himself has not yet made any official statements about retiring, and according to de la Rosa, even he does not know when he will make a final decision. However, it is clear: for Aston Martin to keep a driver of his caliber, the team urgently needs to improve its technical package and return to the group of frontrunners. Without these changes, speculation about Alonso’s retirement will only intensify.
The team’s potential
Despite a poor start, Aston Martin maintains faith in long-term success. De la Rosa is confident the team can win the championship—the only question is whether Alonso will see this triumph from behind the wheel or in another role. He emphasizes that everything can change, but time is not on the team’s side. It is crucial not to miss the moment and not to let Alonso’s departure become a symbol of missed opportunities.
Such situations are not uncommon in the world of Formula 1. For instance, George Russell recently surprised everyone with his unconventional car choice in Monaco, which sparked a strong reaction among fans and experts— details of that episode provoked just as much discussion as the current problems at Aston Martin. Moments like these show how quickly the situation changes in motorsport and how important team support is for every driver.
Fernando Alonso is one of the most recognizable and respected drivers in Formula 1. Over his career, he has won the world championship twice, raced for leading teams, and repeatedly proven his skill in the toughest conditions. His experience and charisma have made him an icon of Spanish motorsport, while his move to Aston Martin became one of the most talked-about events in recent years. Despite his age, Alonso continues to compete on the track, inspiring a new generation of drivers and fans.
