Montoya warns Alonso against Alpine move amid Aston Martin 'rocketship' potential

Rumors of Fernando Alonso returning to Alpine are intensifying as the two-time champion weighs his Formula 1 future beyond 2026, but former grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has warned against what he sees as a potential repeat of past career missteps.

Why it matters:

At 44, Alonso is running out of time to add to his legacy, making his next contract decision potentially his last in F1. While Alpine currently sits fifth in the Constructors' standings and recently scored a podium in Monaco, Montoya believes the Enstone squad's progress mirrors the false dawn Williams experienced last season. A premature exit from Aston Martin could see Alonso miss the very competitive revival he has been waiting for.

The details:

• Alpine temptation: Speculation links Alonso to a shock return to Enstone, where his manager Flavio Briatore serves as an advisor. The team has shown improved form in 2026, with Pierre Gasly securing a podium in Monaco.
• Aston Martin's struggles: The Silverstone-based squad has endured a dismal start to its Honda alliance, failing to score in Barcelona and locking out the back row of the grid.
• Newey factor: The AMR26 is Adrian Newey's first design for Aston Martin, and the team has reportedly postponed smaller upgrades to focus on a major package expected to arrive over the summer.
• Montoya's warning: Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya cautioned that Alpine has no guarantee of sustaining its momentum. He cited Alonso's previous departure from McLaren just before their performance improved as a cautionary tale.

What's next:

Aston Martin is betting heavily on its summer upgrade to haul the team back into the midfield fight. If Newey's design philosophy translates into the "rocketship" Montoya fears, Alonso's patience could be rewarded. However, with Alpine offering immediate competitiveness and Briatore's influence looming, the Spaniard faces a defining choice between short-term results and long-term potential.