It’s impossible to question Fernando Alonso’s commitment and motivation in Formula One. He hasn’t lost any pace as he enters his 44th year on this planet, 23 of which have been spent in F1. He is a brilliant driver—the best of his era—but by most measures, he should be retired by now.

A ten-year career in F1 is an achievement in itself, especially when younger talent is constantly biting at a veteran’s heels. Alonso won his two Drivers’ Championships with Benetton. His move to McLaren could have made it three, but we all know how that turned out.

His time at Ferrari showcased his immense commitment and speed. He carried a deficient car on his shoulders and hustled it to victories, yet the championships never materialised. Despite finishing runner-up three times, he left Ferrari a frustrated man, believing the team lacked the winning mentality.

A return to McLaren brought more frustrations, and now at Aston Martin, Alonso has experienced a few good seasons, a few podiums, but no wins. He is very well compensated—money is no longer an issue. He could retire today and live a secure, content life outside F1, yet he chooses not to.

The Wasted Years?

For Alonso, Formula One seems like unfinished business—one more championship to make it three. But he must also know that such a day may never come. Aston Martin, under the Adrian Newey era, is essentially starting from scratch, and the Newey-designed AMR26 faces both chassis and engine problems.

Perhaps the AMR26 is overengineered, too complex for its own good. Reports from recent tests indicate that Alonso is in heated discussions with his team. I recall seeing him in the Ferrari hospitality center after the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

With paddock access at the time, I watched Alonso in animated, clearly angry discussions with senior team members. Ferrari was uncompetitive, and the next season he returned to McLaren for an uncompetitive three-year stint.

Alonso deserves better, though critics often point to his choices and disruptive persona. The question now is whether he has the patience to race the problematic AMR26. At the time of writing, Aston Martin’s second official test session in Bahrain was curtailed due to engine issues.

Will Alonso call time on his career this season, or stay for one more year? No one knows. But rumours of the return Alonso frown, combined with reports of heated discussions, suggest that Alonso has made his decision.