Fernando Alonso's Post-F1 Future: Dakar, Le Mans, Gucci Alpine, and a Contract Crossroads

A Le Mans return with Max Verstappen is also on the table. Both drivers have openly discussed the idea. Alonso said he would like to team up with Verstappen in endurance racing, and Verstappen confirmed: "Le Mans I definitely would like to do" and that Alonso is interested in being one of his teammates . Multiple sources report that a joint Le Mans project is a "real possibility" once both drivers move on from their F1 commitments .

The Flavio Briatore / Alpine Return with Gucci

This is now a major talking point. Alpine has officially announced that Gucci will become its title partner from 2027, with the team rebranding as Gucci Racing Alpine . The deal, orchestrated by Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, is reportedly worth around $150 million .

According to PlanetF1 and Yahoo Sports, Briatore and Gucci are pushing hard to bring Alonso back to Alpine for a fourth stint in 2027 . Multiple sources indicate that Briatore sees Alonso as the marquee driver to lead the rebranded Gucci Racing Alpine squad. Alonso has a long history with Briatore, who managed him during his title years at Renault. However, no agreement has been reached. Alonso has said he will not make a decision on his F1 future until after the summer break , and Briatore has publicly stated Alpine is "waiting to see what opportunities may become available" .

Alonso's Mindset Amid Aston Martin's Difficult 2026 Campaign

Aston Martin has endured a nightmare start to the 2026 season, struggling near the back of the field . Despite this, Alonso's mindset is notably resilient:

• He has firmly stated he is not ready to retire. In April 2026 he said: "I love what I do. I love racing" and confirmed 2026 will not be his final season in F1 .
• He admitted retiring would be a "very difficult decision" and that he still feels competitive and motivated .
• He described Aston Martin's difficult start as putting him in a "hard mental place" but has not signaled any desire to quit .
• Earlier, he said it would be "extremely challenging" to retire if the car was not competitive — meaning he wants to go out on his own terms .
• Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell has stated he has received no retirement communication from Alonso, suggesting the team expects him to continue .

Bottom line: Alonso is determined to race on beyond 2026. He is using the summer break to decide whether to stay at Aston Martin on an extended deal (with an ambassadorial role), move to Alpine/Gucci Racing, or leave F1 altogether to pursue Dakar and Le Mans. The difficult 2026 season has not pushed him toward retirement — if anything, it has strengthened his resolve to keep competing.