Fernando Alonso to Alpine? F1 Rumours Intensify Amid Aston Martin Exit Speculation

Fernando Alonso's Formula 1 future has become one of the biggest talking points in the paddock, with growing speculation suggesting the two-time world champion could be set for a shock return to Alpine at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old Spaniard is currently weighing up his future beyond 2026, with his Aston Martin contract due to expire at the conclusion of the campaign. While retirement remains one possibility, reports indicate a dramatic return to the Enstone-based team where he won both of his world titles is increasingly being discussed behind the scenes.

The rumours have gathered momentum since the Miami Grand Prix, with multiple reports linking Alonso to Alpine as the team begins to emerge as an increasingly attractive destination on the grid.

A move would represent a full-circle moment in Alonso's remarkable Formula 1 career. The Spaniard made his breakthrough with the Enstone outfit when it raced under the Renault banner, claiming back-to-back world championships in 2005 and 2006 under the leadership of Flavio Briatore.

Now, nearly two decades later, Briatore has returned to Alpine as a consultant for the Renault Group and remains a significant figure within the team's decision-making structure. The Italian also continues to manage Alonso, further fuelling speculation about a potential reunion.

Reports suggest Briatore has played a major role in shaping Alpine's future direction, including helping secure luxury fashion brand Gucci as the team's title sponsor from the 2027 season onwards.

Alpine's improving competitiveness has also made the prospect of a switch more appealing.

The team has shown encouraging signs since transitioning from its in-house power unit programme to a Mercedes customer engine supply. Those gains were highlighted in Monaco, where Pierre Gasly secured a surprise podium finish with third place, delivering Alpine's first top-three result since the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The recent upturn in form has reportedly increased interest from several high-profile drivers. Alongside Alonso, both Alex Albon and George Russell have also been linked with the French manufacturer as the driver market continues to evolve ahead of 2027.

Alonso recently hinted that a decision on his future could arrive later this year. Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver admitted he would evaluate his options during the second half of the season and acknowledged that every race could potentially be his last.

The Spaniard remains one of Formula 1's most experienced and respected competitors, having competed in more than 400 Grands Prix across a career spanning over two decades. Despite Aston Martin's struggles this season, Alonso has repeatedly demonstrated that his speed and racecraft remain intact.

Whether that future involves another chapter with Aston Martin, retirement from Formula 1, or a sensational return to the team where he became a world champion remains to be seen. For now, however, Alpine has emerged as a surprising contender in what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing driver market stories in recent years.