Pre-season testing in Sakhir has offered the final clues ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, a campaign set to introduce major technical and regulatory changes. However, beyond the new rules, attention is also focused on what could be a turning point in the careers of two world champions: Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is coming off a first year with Ferrari that can only be described as deeply disappointing, with no pole positions or podium finishes and ongoing speculation about a possible retirement at the age of 41. Much will therefore depend on both his personal resurgence and Ferrari’s ability to return to competitiveness.
As for 44-year-old Alonso, his pre-season hopes of a fresh start with Aston Martin — under a new team principal and technical leadership — already appear to have encountered difficulties during testing in Bahrain.
Domenicali’s view
Addressing the very real possibility that both drivers could retire at the end of the season, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali shared his perspective during a press conference also attended by FormulaPassion.it.
“They are giants of our sport,” he commented. “They are great protagonists who are very focused on the season. Of course, they have different challenges and opportunities, but I have some doubts that they will stop this year, because they are fighters. They have shown that if they have a good mix between car, team and so on, they will definitely fight for a long time. I don’t see them retiring, to be very honest. I hope I’m right, because they are a very important asset for Formula 1.”
Speaking more broadly about drivers, Stefano Domenicali also reflected on the new generation emerging in Formula 1, particularly after several young talents made their debut last year.
“It’s always exciting, as you have seen, when we bring in five new young guys who are extremely important for the younger generation,” he continued. “They are followed by teenagers, and it’s interesting to see how the audience of our sport is evolving. First of all, I don’t see Hamilton and Alonso retiring, and I hope that will be the case. But if it were to happen — even though I don’t think so — I believe the new generation of drivers would capture attention very quickly. In my opinion, the way people connect today is different.”
For now, Stefano Domenicali’s message is clear: despite the rumours surrounding their futures, both Hamilton and Alonso remain central figures in Formula 1, and their competitive spirit could keep them on the grid beyond 2026.
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