Jun.15 (GMM) Stefano Domenicali has added his voice to growing speculation about Fernando Alonso’s future.
The Formula 1 CEO’s comments come amid mounting rumours linking the 44-year-old Spaniard with a shock move to Alpine in 2027, potentially reuniting with Flavio Briatore, while Alonso himself admitted during the Spanish GP weekend that Barcelona 2026 may have been his final race at the circuit.
“I hope Fernando can stay here for 50 years, although he won’t agree,” Domenicali joked to AS newspaper.
The pair know each other well, having worked together at Ferrari during Alonso’s time with the Maranello team.
Alonso endured a miserable home weekend, qualifying last for Aston Martin-Honda before retiring from Sunday’s race with a battery failure.
Asked how he felt seeing Alonso at the back of the grid, Domenicali was sympathetic.
“I feel for Alonso because I have a lot of respect for him and I know he’s fantastic,” he said. “But I also know he’s a resilient person.
“He’ll have the opportunity, I hope, if he’s given a good car, to demonstrate the talent he has. His mentality is one of fearless commitment at every level.
“He needs the right project. I hope it’s here, and not just for a year, but for a long time.”
When asked what Formula 1 would lose when Alonso eventually retires, Domenicali declined to engage with the prospect.
“This is not the time to talk about that because I want to see you here for a long time.”
Domenicali delivered a similar message in comments to DAZN.
“He’s a champion and he needs a car that showcases his talent and pace,” he said. “If Fernando were in another car, he’d be at the top.
“He’s very strong and a champion who never gives up.”
The Spaniard indicated after Sunday’s battery-related retirement that the remainder of the season could influence his thinking about what to do next – or which team to drive for.
“We have to stick together,” Alonso said when asked about Aston-Honda’s struggles.
“We have higher hopes for the second half of the year with upgrades to be a bit more competitive, but we need to see results. At some point, we need to see that some upgrades make the car faster – in recent years, that hasn’t always been the case.
“We have to prove some things with this year’s developments, and then hopefully, things will improve.”
Alonso also returned to his emotional comments about the possibility that Sunday’s race may have been his last Formula 1 appearance in Barcelona.
“The best part of the weekend was the incredible fans all weekend long, and it was a really great and emotional feeling for me, possibly my last race in Barcelona,” he said.
“I enjoyed every minute out of the car, but unfortunately, we didn’t give them what they deserved. Hopefully, we can improve in the second half of the year.”
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