Fernando Alonso has been linked with a move away from struggling Aston Martin for a stunning return to former team Alpine. The revelation is the talk of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix paddock.
Alonso's Potential Return to Alpine
Alonso, who turns 45 in July, has previously signaled an intention to see out his Formula 1 career with Aston Martin. However, rumors are swirling that he could be brought back into the fold by boss Flavio Briatore, who also serves as the Spaniard's manager. The relationship between the two remains strong, and Alonso would surely consider it if Briatore were to ask him to return.
Alonso has already had three previous spells with the Enstone outfit. His most successful was when he won back-to-back drivers' titles in 2005 and '06 when the team competed as Renault. Subsequent spells between 2008-09 and 2021-22 did not bear nearly so much fruit.
Aston Martin's Current Struggles
While Aston Martin clearly have enormous potential, their current reality is grim. This was supposed to be the year in which they took a step towards the front of the grid, but performance has gone backwards. The team's new engine partnership with Honda has got off to a disastrous start. They began the year with a complete lack of performance and reliability, unable to complete either of the first two races. Though breakdowns have reduced, the pace deficit remains. Alonso managed to snatch the team's first point of 2026 in Monaco after Sergio Perez received a post-race penalty.
Alonso's Ambassadorial Role
A move to Alpine would mean throwing away the long-term position Alonso has with Aston Martin. While his F1 racing days are numbered, his contract guarantees him an ambassadorial role after he retires, keeping him involved in F1 for many years.
Alonso's Final Barcelona Race
Alonso's spirits are high at one of his two home races, the site of his most recent F1 victory in 2013. However, the Barcelona circuit will not feature on the 2027 calendar, and Alonso conceded this is likely his final F1 race at Montmelo. He said: "It's going to be a special weekend, probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1. So, I want to say thanks to everyone." In a separate interview, he added: "After summer I will take the decision to continue or not."
