Aston Martin's chief grounds officer, Mike Krack, responded to claims that Fernando Alonso could leave the team at the end of the season and return to Alpine for a fourth time. Krack expressed hope that the pair would continue to work together, but also took a firm stance should Alonso consider retirement.
Briatore's Alonso plan and third option.
Alonso had announced that he would decide on his future by the summer break — in about a month. Current expectations were that the options were to stay with Aston Martin or retire from racing. However, according to sources, Alpine's advisor Flavio Briatore has taken action to bring the two-time world champion back to Alpine, the team where he won both championships and raced in three separate seasons. This development emerges as a third option on the table.
Krack said the following regarding the matter: “If you look back a season or two ago, we made it clear that Fernando was here to stay. Fernando determined that he would make a decision during the summer break, and we are happy with that. We are happy with our drivers. They support us, and the way they are handling this situation is truly commendable.”
Krack to Alonso: He shouldn't retire.
Aston Martin is facing a serious performance crisis in the 2026 season. Alonso scored his only point for the team at the Monaco Grand Prix; however, that result is still under appeal due to pit lane speeding penalties. Alonso recently described the team's car in Barcelona as "the worst engine and car of my career," a statement that stands in stark contrast to his earlier statement upon joining Aston Martin that it was "one of the most exciting teams.".
When reminded that he himself had mentioned the two options – continuing or retiring – Krack opened the door to a third possibility: “Fernando shouldn’t retire, he’s still very fast.” The director also summarized the team’s attitude towards Alonso over the years: “Drivers are the ones most affected by this situation, the ones most under scrutiny. You have to admire how they cope with these conditions.”
Monaco's appeal and the rest of the season
Aston Martin's appeal against the Monaco result continues, the team's single point remains uncertain. Alonso's decision before the summer break will play a decisive role in shaping the 2027 season for both Aston Martin and Alpine.