Alonso believes he is still among the top five in F1.

      "In this sport, mental strength is essential."

      Fernando Alonso asserts that he possesses the mental fortitude to navigate challenges in Formula 1. The 43-year-old hasn't clinched a title since 2006 and hasn't won a race in over a decade, yet he believes he is still viewed as one of the best on the grid. This perspective comes even as some suggest it might be time for the Spanish driver to retire.

      "Those are external opinions," Alonso stated in an interview with DAZN. "I still rank among the top five in F1. Within the paddock, everyone knows who the five best drivers are," he continued. "People outside look at statistics and assume that the driver with the most wins is the best, but that’s not a universal agreement."

      He gives an example of his recent performance in Canada, where he felt satisfied finishing in P7. "Some drivers get frustrated finishing fifth multiple times," Alonso emphasized. "But I’ve been eliminated in Q1 and have experienced blowing up 13 engines in a single season. Mental resilience is crucial in this sport."

      While he is uncertain about extending his career beyond his 2026 contract, he currently feels "very happy to be present" at each grand prix. "Ultimately, the stopwatch will indicate when it's time for me to stop, or perhaps I'll face a physical issue that causes pain. That’s also a possibility," he explained. "I realize one day I will need to retire," he added. "I had already stepped away from Formula 1 in 2018, but I returned because I missed it. The next break must be definitive."

      Aston Martin had a challenging start to the 2025 season, but there have been noticeable improvements since then, with excitement surrounding the potential of the first Adrian Newey-designed green car. However, the team remains focused on the current season. "Silverstone is intriguing for me," Alonso remarked. "It’s our home race, with the factory just around the corner, and we are planning to introduce upgrades there."