Alonso puts an end to Dakar Rally return speculation

Pulse Sports Team 12:03 - 08 October 2026

Fernando Alonso has emphatically dismissed claims that he is planning a return to the Dakar Rally. The two-time world champion stressed that combining such a massive challenge with the demanding Formula 1 schedule would be "nearly impossible."

The Spaniard previously contested the iconic off-road event in 2020, but fresh rumours regarding a potential comeback have surfaced recently. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack earlier stated that he could not comment on the speculation, though he noted that drivers taking part in events outside F1 is great for motorsport as a whole.

Speaking during the official press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Alonso set the record straight, explaining that the physical demands of the rally and the congested F1 calendar make the idea completely unrealistic.

"No, I don't think that's possible. Purely physically, it is almost impossible to combine two such demanding programmes like the Formula 1 World Championship and the Dakar Rally," Alonso said.

Asked whether he is considering entering other motorsport categories, including the GT3 class, the Spaniard revealed he has not yet tested those cars. He emphasized that he would not take on a new discipline without extensive and thorough preparation.

"Not in GT3, I've never tried it there. It requires very serious preparation. I think because I was relatively competitive in different series in the past, people assume these challenges are easy," the driver commented.

"Achieving success demands immense preparation, extreme dedication, and a fair amount of luck. That's why, when the time comes for my next challenge, I will announce it myself. It won't just be another rumour—I'll be the one to state it, and that will only happen when I am fully prepared and ready to take that risk."

Alonso's statement puts the Dakar debate firmly to rest. There have also been lingering questions over his Formula 1 future recently. However, despite a challenging campaign for Aston Martin, the Spanish veteran announced ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia that he would continue racing for the team through 2027.