Formula 1: 5 drivers who could retire next
By Asher Fair
Fernando Alonso
Yes, Fernando Alonso retired after the 2018 Formula 1 season. But the two-time world champion stated prior to the 2019 season finale that he would consider returning to the grid in the 2021 season, effectively making his “retirement” useless for the time being.
While his options would be limited, let’s say he does return in 2021.
More from Formula One
- Formula 1: Top Red Bull threat identified for 2024
- Formula 1: Why the Max Verstappen retirement obsession?
- Formula 1: Williams ‘mistake’ hints Logan Sargeant’s future
- Formula 1 awaiting key confirmation for 2024 season
- Formula 1: The ‘championship’ Max Verstappen only leads by 3 points
By the time the 2021 season rolls around, he would be 39 years old, which would make him the second oldest driver on the grid — that is, if Kimi Raikkonen sticks around and signs another contract extension, even after becoming the sport’s all-time most experienced driver in 2020.
So Alonso wouldn’t be here for long if he does return.
But now let’s say he doesn’t return. Considering he has put himself back in play, he would technically need to “retire” officially anyway.
At the end of the day, he’s probably done in Formula 1 already following his initial “retirement”, but he is still worth mentioning here. There aren’t a whole lot of other drivers out there who are in positions to hang up their helmets, even if they do get replaced.
Aside of the four other drivers discussed in this article, only three drivers on the 2020 grid are at least 30 years old, and all are exactly 30. Those three drivers are Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo are both 30 and Racing Point’s Sergio Perez.
Bottas and Ricciardo are out of contracts following the 2020 season, but both have been rumored to either return to their current teams or sign elsewhere. Perez is already under contract through 2022.
Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of all-time. dark. Next
Who will be the next driver to retire from Formula 1? Will it be one of the five drivers discussed in this article, or will another driver unexpectedly walk away from the sport in the near future?