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Fernando Alonso Dismisses Speculation Over 2027 Dakar Rally Return
Fernando Alonso has firmly shut down unconfirmed reports suggesting he is preparing for a surprise return to the Dakar Rally next year.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-10-09T06:48:00.000Z - 3 min read
Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has addressed and dismissed recent paddock speculation regarding his motorsport future. Reports had emerged in the Spanish media suggesting the veteran driver had agreed to contest the grueling off-road event in 2027. According to those unconfirmed claims, the Spaniard had supposedly persuaded his current employers to enter the legendary desert race next year. These rumours gained traction following cryptic remarks made earlier in the season when the driver teased potential announcements on the horizon.
Speaking ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver directly addressed the paddock chatter. The 45-year-old explained that managing two intense motorsport programs simultaneously is practically unfeasible. Alonso stated that physical constraints make it nearly impossible to balance a full Formula 1 world championship campaign alongside the rigorous demands of the desert endurance classic. The veteran driver previously competed in the event during his sabbatical from grand prix racing in 2020 with Toyota.
Alongside the off-road rally speculation, the Spanish competitor also ruled out a transition into GT3 competition for the upcoming season. He pointed out that entering new racing disciplines demands substantial preparation and determination, warning against the public assumption that such challenges are straightforward. The driver emphasized that any future competitive pursuits outside of grand prix racing would be announced directly by himself once proper preparation had been secured, rather than left to unconfirmed paddock gossip.
The origin of the rumoured Dakar agreement was traced back to Spanish media reports following ambiguous comments made by the driver during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The subject was subsequently brought up to team principal Mike Krack during media sessions at the Marina Bay circuit. The team leadership acknowledged that several modern drivers frequently seek out external racing opportunities during their spare time, pointing to examples like other competitors participating in rallying and GT3 racing across different weekends.
The Aston Martin team principal expressed personal support for drivers taking on diverse motorsport challenges outside of Formula 1. He noted that such endeavors highlight the natural racer mentality embedded within the grid and praised the dedication required to compete across multiple disciplines. While acknowledging the appeal of outside racing activities, the team boss stopped short of confirming any specific arrangements for his veteran driver regarding the following season.
Despite speculation surrounding his wider racing ambitions, the Spanish driver has already confirmed that he will remain on the Formula 1 grid for at least one more season. With the grand prix calendar expanding and the physical toll of modern racing remaining exceptionally high, his immediate focus stays firmly locked on his premier class commitments. As the championship moves through its final stretch, any further challenges outside of the grand prix paddock remain firmly on hold.