Alonso’s future after Formula 1 may unfold over the next few seasons
Fernando Alonso has been explicit about his desire to keep racing in Formula 1 for at least two to three more years, but the timeline remains uncertain. The long-time Asturian driver clearly communicates his passion for the sport, yet the reality of when his legendary career in the world’s premier motorsport will come to a close is not set in stone. In Alpine, a thoughtful transition plan is already forming as the team maps out its long-term strategy beyond the immediate race calendars and competition cycles.
Alpine’s leadership has been candid about the potential path ahead. Laurent Rossi, the chief executive, spoke to a French motorsport publication to shed light on the plans for the team in the near future. The company’s thinking signals that, while there is a stay of execution for the upcoming season, the door is being kept open for what happens once Alonso’s Formula 1 era concludes. The sense from Enstone is clear: a future in endurance racing with the Alpine banner is on the table, particularly in the Hypercar category where the brand aims to make a strong, competitive impact.
Rossi emphasized that the discussion of Alonso as both a Formula 1 icon and a Renault Group legend has always been part of the broader strategic dialogue. He described Alonso as a champion who has earned his place in the sport’s history, a perspective shared by the leadership. The tone remains one of respect and recognition for Alonso’s contribution, while also signaling that Alpine is thinking ahead and preparing for potential collaborations beyond the current circuit.
Civil war in the Alps, Fernando Alonso
The tensions within the Alpine family reflect a broader ambition to expand the team’s footprint beyond single-seater racing. The company’s future direction involves balancing the ongoing commitments on the Formula 1 grid with the exploration of new technologies, partnerships, and races that could define the brand in endurance competition. This includes aligning engineering resources, developing the LMDh program, and coordinating with other partners to ensure a smooth transition if Alonso moves toward the World Endurance Championship.
Important date 2024
The moment of transition has been a recurring topic in internal discussions. When the decision to pursue the LMDh program was proposed, it marked a clear signal that the team viewed endurance racing as a vital avenue for growth. The project was framed as a negotiation that would determine how the collaboration would unfold, with Alonso at the center of the conversation for a potential involvement. In short, the 2024 season became the anchor point for exploring where the brand could compete in Le Mans style endurance racing and how it would structure its entry across the prototype categories.
All indications point to Alonso becoming a core driver in the Alpine LMDh program, which envisions two prototype machines with a total of six drivers joining the effort in 2024. Yet, ownership of the exact role and timing remains undecided in some respects. The plan signals a serious commitment to endurance racing, while acknowledging that the ultimate entry in the World Endurance Championship could evolve as the season progresses and negotiations solidify. The goal is a robust presence that complements Alpine’s Formula 1 activities rather than replacing them abruptly.
Historically, Alonso has already demonstrated prowess beyond single-seater championships. He secured two notable Le Mans triumphs with Toyota in 2018 and 2019, and he claimed WEC success alongside teammates Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. Endurance racing has always been a field where he could leverage his experience, adaptability, and relentless pace. The enduring appeal of endurance events lies in their demand for consistency, reliability, and strategic depth, attributes that Alonso has shown repeatedly. As he navigates the path beyond the Formula 1 arena, the lure of endurance remains strong, offering fresh challenges and the chance to leave a lasting mark on a different racing discipline.