Fernando Alonso has admitted that fatherhood could play a role in deciding the longevity of his long and illustrious Formula 1 career.
The Spaniard has recently welcomed a son with Melissa Jiminez, a broadcaster for Spanish TV company DAZN.
Alonso is enduring a less-than-pleasant opening to the 2026 F1 season, with Aston Martin still beleageured by problems with its Honda power unit.
Incredulously, the two-time World Champion has not won a Grand Prix since 2013, and has been beset by bad fortune in terms of career choices.
At 44, Alonso is undoubtedly closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but has shown he is still more than capable when having the equipment beneath him.
But, speaking to Sky Sports F1, Alonso admitted to considering his options due to the change in his personal circumstances.
“I have some thoughts, I cannot lie. It does change the way you see life,” he said.
“I have to say that it is going in the other direction. I want to race so he sees me racing. But until he is aware of things, maybe it’s a couple of years and I don’t want to race four or five years again!
“I was thinking, if I race one or two more years, if he will have any memory or any understanding of what is going on at the paddock and things like that? I would like not to stop before he is in the paddock, or he sits in my car, and this kind of thing.
“They are moments you will remember all your life, so it does change [your mindset] to be a father.”
Alonso, in the short-term, is looking to help Aston Martin progress further, having now been able to collaborate with Honda enough to eradicate much of its significant vibration problems.
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