2026: the last races?
The Sakhir tests provided the latest impressions ahead of the 2026 season, which in addition to presenting numerous technical and regulatory innovations could also prove to be a turning point for the careers of two world champions: Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. The former, winner of seven world titles, is coming off a first year at Ferrari that was disastrous to say the least, without any poles or podiums achieved and with a succession of controversies that have increased the hypothesis of a retirement at 41 years of age. Everything will therefore focus on the potential personal rebirth and that of the Rossa, as well as for the 44-year-old Alonso, even if his pre-season hopes regarding a relaunch of Aston Martin with the new Team Principal and designer seem to have already encountered a crisis in Sakhir.
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Domenicali’s thoughts
Regarding what could be the concrete risk of a retirement of both drivers at the end of the year, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali intervened, who in a press conference also attended by FormulaPassion.it remains convinced that Hamilton and Alonso’s adventure in the Circus will not stop soon: “They are giants of our sport – he commented – they are great protagonists very focused on the season. Of course, they have different challenges and opportunities, but I have some doubts that they will stop this year, because they are fighters. They have shown that if they have a good mix of car, team and so on, they will definitely fight for a long time. I don’t see them retiring, to be very honest. I hope I’m right, because they are a very important asset for Formula 1.”
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Still on the subject of drivers, Domenicali also focused on the new generation, in particular after the debut of several talents that occurred last year: “It’s always exciting, as you’ve seen, when we bring in five new guys who are extremely important for the younger generation – he continued – they are followed by teenagers, and it’s interesting to see how the audience of our sport is evolving. First of all I don’t see Hamilton and Alonso retiring, and I hope that will be the case. But if that were to happen, even if I don’t believe it, I think the new generation of drivers will capture attention faster. In my opinion, the way of relating today is different.”
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