Lobato is skeptical that Alonso will leave after 2026.

      "2026 will be extremely significant for him."

      25 September 2025 - 09:25

      Spanish commentator Antonio Lobato has downplayed Fernando Alonso’s assertion that he might leave Formula 1 at the end of 2026 if Aston Martin and Adrian Newey produce a competitive car.

      Alonso, 44, mentioned to AS newspaper in Baku that the sweeping rule changes for next year represent his "last chance" to win again in F1, and hinted that if the Newey-led Aston Martin is performing well, he could retire on a high note.

      "If the car performs poorly, I might choose to stay for another year to end on a positive note," Alonso stated. "If the car is strong, then 2026 will likely be my final year."

      However, Lobato, speaking to DAZN, is skeptical. "He believes that 2026 will be crucial for him, in all aspects," the experienced broadcaster clarified. "It could be an outstanding year if the regulations and Aston Martin’s efforts align, but it could also turn out to be his farewell year."

      Still, Lobato found Alonso’s reasoning contradictory. "If it’s successful, I can assure you we would have to dispatch state security to get him out of the car, because he’d never want to leave," he joked.

      "He will leave whenever he chooses. That’s Fernando’s great strength. He’ll depart when he gets bored or feels that something else will satisfy him more than Formula 1."

      At this moment, Lobato believes Alonso remains highly motivated. "Currently, he’s very happy, satisfied at Aston Martin, and striving to achieve the miracle of having one of the fastest cars next year," he concluded.