Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the 'Great Circus', believes that they are two very important assets for the premier class of motorsport.

the 2026 Formula 1 season has not yet started and there is already talk of next year. And there are many hypotheses that are being poured from many places related to the Great Circus. Focusing on the three multi-champions on the grid (Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso), the information around this magical trident has to do with whether they will continue beyond this season in which the revolutionary change of technical regulations will be implemented.

It is striking that the Red Bull star is included in this shortlist, but in the case of the Dutchman it is the driver himself who has put that (unlikely) scare on the table. The four-time champion is only 28 years old and it is logical that he continues to compete in the premier class of motorsport. After all, in 2025 he fell by a minimal difference to Lando Norris (the other champion on the list of current riders). And beware that they bagged eight victories last year (more than the McLaren duo). It's not that he's going through a desert. The dry spell is suffered by others, not him. Another thing is that he has labeled the new F1 cars as "Formula E on steroids". He is not having fun and wants to spend more time with his family, but the truth is that he has signed his bond with the energy drink team until 2028. Then we will see...

The most veterans on the grid

Another very different thing are the cases of Alonso, who will turn 45 in July, and Hamilton, whose age (41) also makes him a possible defector in 2027. Both Fernando and Lewis are out of contract at the end of this year. And both have expressed their displeasure (as has Max, but in a less virulent way) with the new cars.

In the particular case of the seven-time world champion, it should be noted that he has recently shared an enlightening message through social networks. "For a moment, I forgot who he was, but you won't see that mentality again. I know what needs to be done. I am renewed and with my batteries recharged. I'm not going anywhere," the Ferrari driver proclaimed before the start of the campaign in Melbourne (the Australian Grand Prix will take place between March 6 and 8).

Aston's bad pre-season

Meanwhile, the Oviedo native does not rule out any scenario. But Aston Martin's preseason has been so disastrous that everything suggests that this year he will not be able to shine or work miracles in every round. "If we see a clear improvement, a clear ascension ... you have more opportunities to do one more year. Year after year. Let's enjoy and what comes next year will be seen," confessed the two-time champion.

In this context, Stefano Domenicali has burst onto the scene. The Formula 1 CEO has weighed in on the possibility of Hamilton and Alonso retiring after the conclusion of the budding season. "They are giants of F1, they are very important protagonists. Of course, both have different challenges and opportunities. But do you think they can quit this year? I have some doubts, because they are fighters and they have shown that, if they have a good combination of car and team, they will certainly fight for longer. To be honest, I don't see them retiring. I hope I'm right, they are a very important asset for F1," said the boss.

And then he added: "In any case, F1 has always been exciting. When five new pilots suddenly arrived, they were very important to the younger generation. So, firstly, I don't think they will retire and, secondly, I hope they won't and, if they finally do, which I don't think, I think the new generation of drivers will get the attention more quickly, because nowadays the way to connect is different." (Marca, 2026-02-25)