Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Fernando Alonso is entering his 23rd Formula 1 season, extending the all-time record for the most experienced driver in the championship’s history.
The two-time world champion has long pursued a return to the top step of the podium and another shot at title contention. However, those ambitions appear increasingly distant following a challenging start to the campaign for Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based squad has struggled to extract consistent performance from its latest package under the revised technical regulations.
Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll have both pointed to ongoing issues with the car’s chassis, particularly in terms of balance and drivability across different circuit characteristics. Compounding the situation, the new power unit supplied by Honda has encountered early reliability concerns, further limiting the team’s ability to compete at the sharp end of the grid.
The circumstances add further weight to questions surrounding Alonso’s long-term future. The Spaniard does not yet have a contract in place for the 2027 season, and uncertainty remains over whether he will continue beyond the current campaign. The competitiveness of Aston Martin’s package this year could play a decisive role in shaping his next move.
With development expected to intensify as the season progresses, Alonso’s immediate focus remains on maximising available performance. Yet the broader picture suggests that 2026 could become a defining year in determining whether the veteran driver extends his record-breaking tenure in Formula 1 or chooses to step away from the sport.
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