Fernando Alonso's Post-F1 Future: Dakar, Le Mans with Verstappen, and a Shock Alpine Return

Fernando Alonso is navigating one of the most complex moments of his legendary career. At 44, with his Aston Martin contract expiring at the end of 2026, the two-time Formula 1 world champion has a clear vision for what comes next — but the path is anything but settled.

Between a burning desire to conquer the Dakar Rally, a dream Le Mans partnership with Max Verstappen, and a potentially sensational return to Alpine backed by Flavio Briatore and Gucci, Alonso's immediate future is a high-stakes puzzle with multiple possible outcomes.

Post-F1 Ambitions: Dakar and Le Mans with Verstappen

Dakar Rally: A Top Priority

Winning the Dakar Rally is one of Alonso's highest priorities. He has publicly called a Dakar victory "just as high a priority as a third F1 world championship" and said he plans to return for another attempt with "99% effort" once his F1 career ends . In early 2025, he confirmed that his post-F1 plan is to return to the Dakar Rally, treating 2026 as "probably" his last F1 season . Alonso has also stated that winning the Dakar remains on his motorsport "wishlist" alongside another F1 world championship .

Le Mans with Max Verstappen

Alonso has actively sounded out Max Verstappen about teaming up for the Le Mans 24 Hours . Verstappen confirmed that Alonso told him "he only wants to return to Le Mans if it's with me" and said he is "open" to the idea, but only if they can win . Both drivers have publicly expressed enthusiasm for a joint WEC program after Alonso leaves F1 .

Ford Performance boss Mark Rushbrook said a Verstappen Le Mans entry is something Ford "would love to see," but clarified it is "not for 2027" — it could happen during Verstappen's F1 career if schedules align .

Alonso is already a two-time Le Mans winner, having conquered the race in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota's LMP1 team during his sabbatical from F1, along with taking the World Endurance Championship crown .

Aston Martin Contract Status

Alonso signed a multi-year extension with Aston Martin in April 2024 that binds him through the end of the 2026 season . Key details:

• Race seat guaranteed through 2026, meaning he will drive the first Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin .
• The contract includes a post-retirement ambassadorial role — a non-driving position that would keep him involved with Aston Martin beyond his F1 career . Alonso said he committed to a "lifetime project" with the team .
• No extension beyond 2026 has been signed yet. As of June 2026, Aston Martin is working on a new contract proposal to keep Alonso past 2026, which would reportedly extend his racing contract further and include the ambassadorial position . Alonso himself said, "I don't know if I will race in 2027. Time will tell" .

Flavio Briatore / Alpine Return with Gucci Backing (2027)

This is a rapidly developing story from mid-2026:

• Gucci becomes Alpine's title partner from 2027, in a deal orchestrated by Flavio Briatore reportedly worth around $150 million . The team will race under the name Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team with Gucci branding .
• Briatore and Gucci are "pushing hard" to bring Alonso back to Alpine for 2027. Multiple sources report that Briatore, who returned as Alpine's Executive Advisor in 2024, sees Alonso as the ideal marquee signing to launch the Gucci-backed era .
• Alonso is "exploring" a sensational return and has refused to rule it out . Reports say his patience with Aston Martin's 2026 struggles "has now snapped" and he is rumored to be heading back on a one-year deal .
• Aston Martin, meanwhile, is trying to counter with a fresh offer that extends his racing contract and keeps him in an ambassadorial role .

Briatore has managed Alonso's career for two decades and returned to Alpine specifically to turn the team around . The team's switch from a factory Renault engine to a customer Mercedes power unit has lifted performance significantly in 2026 .

Retirement Mindset Amid Aston Martin's Difficult 2026 Campaign

Alonso's 2026 season has been tough. Multiple reports describe a struggling Aston Martin and growing frustration . At 44, with his contract expiring and a difficult car, the paddock widely views 2026 as "potentially one of his final seasons" .

Despite this, Alonso himself appears reflective but not defeated. He has said he is spending "less time worrying about what comes next than most people would expect" . He has publicly stated he does not know if he will race in 2027, leaving the door open to either retirement, an Aston extension, or an Alpine return .

The key tension: Aston Martin's poor form has accelerated speculation about an Alpine reunion, but Alonso has a long-standing loyalty to the Aston Martin "lifetime project" and a built-in ambassadorial path there . His decision on 2027 is expected to hinge on whether Aston Martin can show competitive progress in the second half of 2026, and whether Briatore's Gucci-backed Alpine offer proves compelling enough to pull him back to Enstone for a fourth stint .

The Bottom Line

Alonso's post-F1 plans firmly target a Dakar Rally win and a Le Mans run with Verstappen. His Aston Martin contract runs through 2026 with an ambassadorial role lined up, but Briatore and Gucci are actively pushing for a shock Alpine return in 2027. Aston Martin is countering with a new extension. Alonso's mindset is open-minded and pragmatic — he has not committed to retirement or to any 2027 seat, and his final decision will likely come mid-to-late 2026 based on Aston Martin's competitiveness and the attractiveness of the Alpine offer.