F1 fan favorite hints at RETIREMENT despite contract rumors

Fernando Alonso has hinted at a surprise retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the year, despite calling 2023 the best season of his life.

The Spaniard collected a number of podiums in his first season at Aston Martin and looked reinvigorated, with some pundits even linking him with the soon-to-be-empty second driver's seat at Mercedes.

Alonso is among those drivers whose contracts run out in 2024, with the two-time champion coming off the back of his best finish in a season since 2013, achieving fourth place in the standings with eight podiums.

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Alonso hints at F1 retirement

The 43-year-old has been linked with a move to Mercedes to replace Hamilton, as well as a whole list of names such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel.

The Spaniard debuted in F1 with Minardi back in 2001 and has since raced 20 seasons in the sport, winning consecutive titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault and also drive for the likes of Ferrari and McLaren – also suggested that retirement is an option he is considering.

Alonso has said that he wants to see how the development with Aston Martin goes this season before making a decision on his future.

But speaking at the driver press conference on Wednesday in Bahrain when asked about whether he would like to drive for Mercedes next year, Alonso suggested that retirement is also an option he is considering.

"First of all, I need to decide if I want to keep racing. I will need to decide that in a few races," he said.

"I feel great now but it's a demanding calendar. In 2026, there are different regulations that are maybe tempting or not. I will wait a few races to decide."

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