Alonso's New Role May End De la Rosa's F1 Career

Fernando Alonso’s potential shift to a non-racing role at Aston Martin in 2026 threatens the F1 position of his longtime colleague, Pedro de la Rosa.

Fernando Alonso’s new contract with Aston Martin F1 could soon cost his long-time friend, Pedro de la Rosa, his spot.

Alonso and the former F1 driver have been paired not only at Aston Martin, where the Spaniard serves as team ambassador, but also previously at McLaren and Ferrari.

Alonso, 42, described his new contract with Aston Martin as the “longest contract” he has ever signed in F1—though it only guarantees a racing role for 2025 and 2026.

When asked in Shanghai when he would extend his own contract with Aston Martin, De la Rosa responded, “I joked this week that when Fernando is here, Pedro will be absent. Well, if Fernando really wants to stay with the team after driving, then I’ll leave.”

De la Rosa was joking, but a non-racing role is indeed planned for Alonso once he finally decides to hang up his helmet.

Asked when that might happen, De la Rosa said, “Fernando has signed such a long-term contract, with two years of competition at the start, that I see no expiration date for him.”

“Fernando has never hidden the possibility of staying in a more technical role behind the pit wall to help the team or as a consultant for Aston Martin.”

“This could be an even longer relationship than we think.”

2026 will mark Alonso’s 23rd season on the F1 grid, and he will be 45 years old.

“In a sport as demanding as this one, where the level of demand is extreme and there are only 20 spots, to stay this long and still be such a player on the transfer market is incredible.”