Fernando Alonso arrived at Spain’s new Formula 1 venue in Madrid sporting a tailored black suit, black tie, white shirt, mirrored sunglasses, and a helmet held casually in hand, prompting comparisons to James Bond and earning the moniker “El Padre” from the Formula 1.
The 45-year-old Aston Martin driver addressed questions regarding his Formula 1 future ahead of the race weekend. Born in Oviedo on July 29, 1981, Alonso told reporters in the Madrid paddock that a decision on whether he will compete in 2027 will not come “so bald” (not so soon), explaining with a smile that he finds it nice and that there is no rush to finalize his plans.
“It is about understanding what impact next year’s regulations will have on driving,” Alonso said, noting that he misses driving without battery power, such as when he won world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006 to end Michael Schumacher’s title series.
Alonso made his Formula 1 debut in March 2001 and has participated in 440 grands prix, a longevity that leaves eight of the current season’s regular drivers younger than his career itself. Fellow driver Sergio Pérez acknowledged the difficulty of the sport at 45, telling reporters that while Alonso might want to pursue other things, his passion could theoretically sustain a 15-year career extension.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Alonso highlighted the evolution of motorsport interest in his home country. “The biggest legacy of my career for me is the change in Spain,” he said, recalling how his parents initially watched his early races via German broadcaster RTL because they were not broadcast in Spain.
Broadcasting rights in Spain have since evolved significantly, highlighted by Formula 1’s recent announcement extending its broadcast partnership with DAZN through 2030. The Madrid event at the capital’s exhibition center marks the second grand prix held in Spain this year, following June’s race near Barcelona. From 2027 onward, the Catalan circuit and Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps will alternate positions on the calendar.
Regarding his next professional chapters, Alonso indicated openness to multiple roles. “Whether behind the steering wheel or in a role where I can help the team the most,” he said of his immediate future, adding that an association with Aston Martin in other motorsport disciplines—such as the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans—remains a viable path.
Alonso previously stepped away from Formula 1 at the end of 2018 before returning to the grid in 2021 with Alpine, later moving to Aston Martin in 2023. During his hiatus, he secured a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2019 and finished 13th in the 2020 Rallye Dakar. His record includes 32 grand prix victories, with his most recent win occurring in Spain in 2013.
Despite high expectations following Aston Martin’s acquisition of star designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull, the team has not yet achieved a breakthrough effect. When asked about winning at the new Madrid layout, Alonso noted pragmatically that victory would not materialize this season.
On-track sessions at the Madrid circuit continue ahead of Sunday’s race, which is scheduled for 15:00 with broadcasts on Sky and RTL.
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