F1 CEO Domenicali hopes Alonso stays after Barcelona 'last race' comments
Summary
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has voiced his hope that Fernando Alonso remains in the sport for years to come, responding to the two-time champion's comments ahead of his final Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.
Fernando Alonso declared the Spanish Grand Prix would be his last race at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, clarifying the venue's absence from the calendar until 2028 rather than signaling immediate retirement. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali quickly moved to praise the two-time world champion, making clear he hopes Alonso remains on the grid for the long haul.
Why it matters:
- Alonso remains one of F1's most iconic and marketable figures, and his departure would leave a void that extends well beyond pure on-track competition.
- Domenicali's stance carries added significance given the pair's history at Ferrari, reflecting a deep personal respect and a shared desire to see the Spaniard fighting at the front again.
- Every comment from the 44-year-old is now heavily scrutinized as the 2027 driver market begins to crystallize, with teams already locking in their long-term plans.
The details:
- During the FIA press conference in Barcelona, Alonso described the weekend as "probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1," thanking fans for 23 magical Spanish Grand Prix appearances without suggesting he is stepping away from the sport entirely.
- Speaking to AS, Domenicali described Alonso as a "resilient person" with a mentality of "fearless commitment," insisting he needs only the right car to demonstrate his enduring talent.
- The F1 CEO dismissed any talk of what the sport would lose if Alonso leaves, stating firmly: "This is not the moment to talk about this because I want to see him here for a long time."
- Rumors of a return to Alpine surfaced after Alonso was seen with manager Flavio Briatore, though paddock sources understand the French outfit is prioritizing Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly for 2027.
What's next:
- Alonso's future likely hinges on whether Aston Martin can provide a package capable of regular podium contention as the current regulations mature.
- With Alpine's seats appearing locked in and other top teams finalizing their lineups, the Spaniard may face a narrowing window to secure a competitive drive if he wishes to extend his career deep into his mid-40s.
Original Article :https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/f1-ceo-wants-alonso-to-remain-in-the-competition-...