Former Scuderia Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso is now far removed from his days of challenging for Formula 1 victories and championships with the Maranello team. This year marks a full 12 years since the Spanish driver last stood atop the podium, following his win at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. However, Peter Windsor argues that fans should not dismiss Fernando Alonso’s potential at Aston Martin, especially with the team set to welcome renowned designer Adrian Newey in 2025.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Formula 1 season, Fernando Alonso’s vast experience could give Aston Martin a significant edge as they aim to master the new regulations and mount a serious challenge for the Drivers’ Championship. While Fernando Alonso wouldn’t become the oldest champion in F1 history if he were to claim the title in 2026, he could still do so in 2027. Juan Manuel Fangio’s record of winning the championship at 46 years old in 1957 remains the benchmark for now.
During his time with Ferrari, Alonso faced moments of frustration, notably when the team signed Kimi Raikkonen, a move that left him feeling sidelined. Robert Kubica, who had a contract to replace Felipe Massa starting in the 2012 season, believed that he could have outperformed Alonso at Ferrari. However, Robert Kubica‘s career was nearly cut short by a life-threatening rally crash, allowing the Brazilian to stay on for a while longer before being replaced by Kimi Raikkonen ahead of the 2014 season.
The Spanish driver had voiced concerns about the team’s performance up until that point, but he was particularly frustrated by the decision to replace his teammate Massa, with whom he had a strong working relationship. Reflecting on the move in 2013, F1 legend Mario Andretti suggested that Alonso’s outspoken criticisms of Ferrari were likely a factor in the team’s decision to replace Felipe Massa Massa with the Finnish driver.
Mario Andretti told F1GrandPrix.it that, in his view, the Spanish driver had grown frustrated during the season, and his remarks had offended the Italian side. He added that the team would not have hired someone capable of challenging and potentially defeating Alonso otherwise.
Did Fernando Alonso Make the Right Call by Leaving Ferrari After 2014?
Fernando Alonso’s departure from Ferrari at the end of 2014 remains a heavily debated decision in Formula 1 circles. His final season with the team saw him far outperform new teammate Kimi Raikkonen, scoring 161 points compared to the Finn’s 55—a near threefold margin. However, Alonso’s frustrations with Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness at the time led him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Since Fernando Alonso’s exit, Scuderia Ferrari has managed to win at least one race in all but three seasons, though they have yet to secure a championship. In hindsight, staying with the Scuderia might have been a better option, as his subsequent move to McLaren proved disastrous. The team’s uncompetitive cars and unreliable engines left Alonso without a single podium finish across four seasons, a stark contrast to his earlier success.
After briefly retiring from Formula 1, Fernando Alonso returned with Alpine and later joined Aston Martin, but he has struggled to recapture the magic of his early career. Despite flashes of brilliance, the consistent form that defined his championship-winning years remains elusive.
Looking ahead, the 2026 regulations offer the Spaniard one last realistic shot at adding to his legacy in Formula 1. With Aston Martin’s ambitious plans and the arrival of Adrian Newey, the new rules could align perfectly with Alonso’s wealth of experience. If Aston Martin delivers a championship-contending car, Fernando Alonso’s choice to leave Ferrari might ultimately pay off—though it has been a long and challenging road to get to this point.
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