Jun.11 (GMM) Pedro de la Rosa has refused to speculate about whether Fernando Alonso is approaching the end of his Formula 1 career.
The Aston Martin ambassador was asked by El Mundo Deportivo if this weekend’s Spanish GP could be Alonso’s last appearance at Barcelona-Catalunya, given the circuit’s new alternating race deal and the Spaniard’s contract expiring at the end of 2026.
“I haven’t the faintest idea, to be honest,” De la Rosa, who has known and worked with Alonso for years across multiple teams, replied.
Asked if it could indeed be Alonso’s final appearance at the circuit, he added: “Yes, but I don’t see it that way.”
“I live thinking it won’t be the last.”
The question is becoming increasingly relevant as Alonso approaches his 45th birthday next month and continues to leave the door open about racing beyond the end of his current Aston Martin deal.
Despite the team’s difficult start to the Honda era, De la Rosa insists Alonso’s future remains entirely his own decision.
“This is a very personal matter, very much his own, which he will decide, and I deeply respect that,” he said.
“But I prefer not to dwell on it. I prefer to enjoy it.”
The former Formula 1 driver admits Aston Martin’s long-term ambition is to build a car good enough to convince Alonso to stay.
With Adrian Newey now overseeing development and major upgrades planned for later this season, there remains hope inside the team that brighter days lie ahead.
“All we can do is focus on improving the car to the point where drivers want to come and stay,” said De la Rosa.
“That’s the best situation you can create as a team.”
He made clear that Aston Martin would happily keep Alonso for much longer if performance alone were the deciding factor.
“If it were up to me, I’d hope he stayed for many years,” De la Rosa said. “Of course, Fernando has every right to think about these things, especially since he’s 44 years old.”
“But if we judge Fernando by his performance on the track, there’s no reason for him to retire.”
For now, however, De la Rosa says the focus should remain on the present rather than on retirement speculation.
“Let’s enjoy Fernando, let’s enjoy Carlos, let’s enjoy the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix,” he said.
“Because things aren’t forever, nothing is forever. So let’s live in the moment, and whatever comes, comes.”