Fernando Alonso set to make decision on Formula 1 future during the 'summer break'

Alonso explained during the previous Grand Prix weekend that it would be his final time racing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. However, that does not mean an immediate retirement from Formula 1 for the Aston Martin driver, as the Catalan circuit will enter a rotation with Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and is next scheduled to host a Grand Prix in 2028.

Alonso then explained: "It's going to be a special weekend, probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1. So, I want to say thanks to everyone. I will try to enjoy the weekend. I will not be competitive and I will not be too long in the car in qualifying, and in the race hopefully yes, but not at the pace that we all want. But I want everyone to still enjoy the weekend. It has been always a celebration when they come to Barcelona. I think it's my 23rd Spanish Grand Prix, and all of them have been magical. And this last has to be magical as well."

Answering GPblog's question in Austria, Aston Martin's Mike Krack said about the former two-time world champion's future: "If you look back, a couple of, one or two seasons ago, we said clearly he's here to stay. Yeah, I think Fernando decided that around the summer break he will make a decision. We're happy. We're happy with the drivers. They are in this with us, and also great credit to them, how they deal with it. We spoke about this many times, that the drivers are the most affected, the most exposed to this and the way they handle it, hats off to the way they handle that. I have great hopes that he will continue to work together."

Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer then added: "Fernando should not retire, he's too quick."

Formula 1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, also hopes that Alonso will stay in the competition for a long time. He told Spanish newspaper AS: "I have so much respect for him and I know he’s fantastic. But I also know he’s a resilient person. He’ll have the opportunity, I hope, if he’s given a good car, to demonstrate the talent he has. His mentality is one of fearless commitment, at every level. He needs the right project. I hope it’s here, and not just for a year, but for a long time.

"This is not the moment to talk about [his retirement] because I want to see him here for a long time," the Italian added.