Fernando Alonso says he’s in talks with F1 drivers about joining forces outside the sport

Fernando Alonso isn’t sure if he’ll stay in F1 beyond 2026, but he already has a few options in mind that could even see him reconnect with some familiar faces from the grid.

Now 44, Alonso is nearing the end of his contract with Aston Martin, which runs out at the close of this season. He agreed to those terms back in April 2024, at a time when his previous deal was already winding down.

Alonso isn’t keen for 2026 to be his final year in Formula One, especially given how rough this season has been for Aston Martin so far. The team’s only race finish came from him—an 18th place in Japan—and their new Honda engine has been plagued by reliability problems.

Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Alonso admitted he hasn’t yet discussed a new deal with Aston Martin for 2027. He also said he wasn’t too worried about leaving F1 if it comes to that because he sees plenty of opportunities elsewhere.

Fernando Alonso talks with F1 rivals about teaming up for Le Mans return

Alonso is still interested in winning the Dakar Rally, a race he got a taste of during a one-off appearance with Toyota back in 2020. He has also left the door open for another run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he took back-to-back wins with Toyota during his brief stint there between 2018 and 2019.

A potential return to Le Mans could also include some familiar faces from the F1 paddock. While he hasn’t named any names, Alonso has said he’s already in touch with current drivers about joining forces at an event that has always held strong appeal across the grid.

He told AS: “If I continue racing, I think it will be a better season than this one because the project will be in its second year. If I stop, I can compete in other categories.”

“The Dakar Rally is a possibility. If I can win in endurance racing, F1 and rally-raid, [it] will probably be unprecedented. So, that’s very appealing.

“I might also return to Le Mans someday, so I’m not too worried about leaving F1. I’ll continue racing and remain connected to this team in the future in a different role.

There would likely be no shortage of interest from WEC teams if Alonso were to pursue another shot at Le Mans, including from McLaren. CEO Zak Brown has said that he’d “love” to have him drive for them when they make their expected return to La Sarthe in 2027.

The prospect becomes more intriguing given both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have spoken openly about their own ambitions to race there one day. And even Max Verstappen recently made headlines by suggesting his own tilt at Le Mans could still happen well into his forties – something Antonelli says he’d love to join him for.

Nico Hulkenberg remains another notable name linked closely with an event comeback; like Alonso himself, having already tasted success there when he won on debut for Porsche nearly a decade ago.