Fernando Alonso admits he could retire from Formula One at the end of next season if Aston Martin are competitive, signalling a desire to go out at the very top.

The two-time F1 world champion turns 45 next year and his contract with Aston expires at the end of the 2026 season – the first in a new set of regulations.

Aston have long targeted the 2026 season – with ex-Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey leading their car design team – as an “opportunity” to target podiums, race wins and world championships.

Alonso, who won his two titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, acknowledged that the end of his career is nearing but revealed that he is more likely to stay in the sport if Aston Martin doesn’t have a car capable of challenging at the top.

“If things go well, I think it’s a ve

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