Flavio Briatore has been like a mentor to Fernando Alonso. This pair goes back to 2002, over two decades and two titles, the Briatore-Alonso is iconic. Despite the Italian mastermind’s absence from F1, he has often been spotted with Fernando in Monaco. Maybe, ‘Nando’ needs a little advice sometimes, who knows? However, a question has been around the F1 community for a while. The question is about Alonso’s deadline in F1. As for Briatore, he has nothing but kind words for his Spaniard friend. They’ve seen days of glory in F1. The unbeatable Fernando Alonso of 2005 and 2006.

Moreover, their camaraderie has continued even after all these years. But, even for Flavio Briatore, it’s difficult to analyze when the ‘Spanish Samurai’ will call it a day in F1. Alpine’s execute advisor told Formula For Success: “Fernando is still very difficult to understand because he’s still motivated like a young driver, is super fit, maybe a small fit now, and not at the time he was driving for me and he’s living in Monaco.” He added: “I don’t know, it’s the experience and if you ask me, if Fernando wants to continue after we finish our contract with our last year, it’d be 2026 for the moment. I believe that is what he wants to do after, he wants to continue one more year.”

Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is till 2026. Flavio Briatore thinks that would be the last time we’ll see Alonso on the track. However, there is no guarantee, because he might want to continue for another year. Briatore believes, the Spaniard still has it in him to go on. According to the Alpine boss, Alonso has the motivation to win his third title. It seems quite far-fetched, but not unachievable.

Flavio Briatore gives a quick sneak peek into Fernando Alonso’s daily routine

F1 demands much more than skillful maneuvering around the circuits. A veteran like Fernando Alonso knows this better than anyone. He stole his titles from the likes of Michael Schumacher and wishes to continue in the sport for as long as he can. Thus, Fernando follows a strict daily regime. Flavio Briatore says that when he’s out dining with Alonso, “he’s very careful, he’s never cheating- it’s unbelievable.” The former team boss could be referring to a diet that Alonso religiously follows.

Briatore further adds: “I know he’s doing a bicycle every day, he does 60, 70, and 80km every day, and goes to the gym every day. The performance is there, you see the performance of Fernando there is not a question of losing concentration during the race is always there.”  So, the Spaniard is doing everything to keep himself fit to battle it out against the youngsters. Although, this year Aston Martin hasn’t been the best, next season could look more promising. After all, they’ve bagged Adrian Newey. And who knows, maybe Fernando could become a title contender next season?

Fernando Alonso has become the oldest driver on the present grid to start a race. He hasn’t won in the last 10 years. However, his zeal to go on is immaculate. It is worth learning from Alonso. The art of resilience is his specialty. Moreover, Flavio Briatore has seen Alonso’s career closely. All his rises and falls, and everything in between. So, he might be right about the AMR driver’s retirement timeline. What do you think? Share in the comments.