Domenicali wishes that Alonso will remain in F1 'for 50 years'.
"He requires a car that highlights his talent and speed."
Stefano Domenicali has weighed in on the increasing speculation surrounding Fernando Alonso's future. The CEO of Formula 1's remarks come as rumors are intensifying about a surprising move for the 44-year-old Spaniard to Alpine in 2027, possibly reuniting with Flavio Briatore. Alonso himself acknowledged during the Spanish GP weekend that the Barcelona race in 2026 might have been his last at that venue. "I wish Fernando could be here for 50 years, although he probably wouldn't agree," Domenicali quipped to AS newspaper.
The two have a strong history, having collaborated at Ferrari when Alonso was with the Maranello team. Alonso had a disappointing home race, qualifying last for Aston Martin-Honda and retiring from the Sunday race due to a battery failure. When asked about seeing Alonso at the back of the grid, Domenicali expressed empathy. "I feel for Alonso because I have great respect for him and I recognize his greatness," he stated. "However, I also know he is a resilient individual.
"I hope he will have the chance to showcase his talent if he has a good car. His mindset is one of fearless dedication at every level. He requires the right project. I hope it’s here, not just for one year but for an extended period." When questioned about what Formula 1 would lose once Alonso retires, Domenicali chose not to discuss that possibility. "This is not the time to address that, as I want to see him here for a long time."
Domenicali conveyed a similar sentiment in remarks to DAZN. "He’s a champion and he needs a car that demonstrates his talent and speed," he stated. "If Fernando were in a different car, he’d be at the top. He's incredibly strong and a champion who never gives up." Following Sunday’s retirement due to battery issues, Alonso suggested that the remainder of the season could impact his thoughts on his future and which team he might join. "We have to stay united," Alonso commented concerning Aston-Honda’s difficulties. "We have higher expectations for the latter half of the year with upgrades to become more competitive, but we need to witness results. At some point, we must show that some upgrades improve the car's speed - that hasn’t always been the case in recent years.
"We must validate certain aspects with this year’s developments, and then hopefully, things will get better." Alonso also revisited his emotional sentiments about the possibility that Sunday’s race may have marked his last Formula 1 appearance in Barcelona. "The highlight of the weekend was the amazing fans throughout, and it was a truly wonderful and emotional experience for me, possibly my last race in Barcelona," he remarked. "I cherished every moment away from the car, but unfortunately, we didn’t provide them with what they deserved. I hope we can enhance our performance in the second half of the year."
Other articles
FIA president suggests that BYD is "the right team" for the 12th entry.
Formula 1 | Mohammed Ben Sulayem has further intensified the increasing speculation that the Chinese automotive giant BYD might join as the twelfth and final team in Formula 1. (…)
Domenicali wishes for Alonso to remain in F1 'for 50 years'.
Formula 1 | Stefano Domenicali has weighed in on the increasing speculation surrounding Fernando Alonso's future. The remarks from the CEO of Formula 1 arise amidst escalating (…)
The president of the FIA suggests that BYD could be the suitable team for the 12th entry.
Formula 1 | Mohammed Ben Sulayem has intensified the ongoing speculation regarding the possibility of Chinese automotive giant BYD becoming the twelfth and final team in Formula 1. (…)
Domenicali wishes that Alonso will remain in F1 'for 50 years'.
Formula 1 | Stefano Domenicali has weighed in on the increasing speculation surrounding Fernando Alonso's future. The remarks from the Formula 1 CEO emerge alongside growing (…)