With each passing season, Fernando Alonso's retirement inches closer to reality. The oldest driver on the current Formula 1 grid hasn't denied that his future is very much in the air following persistent performance struggles at Aston Martin. The results have been difficult to defend, and conversations that once stayed behind closed doors are now taking place in the open.

For years, Alonso has been the undisputed figurehead of Spanish motorsport — a living legend whose influence extends far beyond his results on any given Sunday. His eventual departure from the grid will leave a significant void, both for Spanish fans and for the sport as a whole.

While there remains a possibility he stays connected to Formula 1 in some capacity, his days as an active racing driver are clearly running short. Spain is one of the few countries fortunate enough to have two drivers competing at the top level of the sport at the same time.

Carlos Sainz has been following in Alonso's footsteps for years, carving out an impressive career of his own — even if he hasn't yet come close to matching his compatriot's achievements. The Madrid-born driver has moved through the Red Bull junior program, Renault, and now Williams, accumulating experience and reputation at virtually every level of the paddock along the way.

According to information published by El Nacional, Sainz is now being considered not just as Alonso's symbolic successor, but as a potential physical replacement in one of the Aston Martin race seats — a scenario that is gaining traction with each passing week.

The report indicated that one name had gained significant momentum in recent hours and was receiving the full personal backing of Adrian Newey. According to the outlet, Newey believes Sainz could be the ideal replacement for Alonso — a driver with the technical feedback ability and race craft needed to step into that role and fill the enormous vacuum that Alonso's departure would create.

The report further noted that Newey had not hesitated before personally recommending to the Aston Martin hierarchy that they prioritize Sainz Jr and set aside every other option currently on the table — options described by the source as unreachable for a variety of reasons.

What makes the scenario especially compelling is that the move reportedly also has the support of Lawrence Stroll — and that Alonso himself is said to have encouraged the decision as a final gesture of goodwill before stepping away from the team.

Whether or not the pieces ultimately fall into place, the picture being painted is one of genuine, multi-layered consensus around a single candidate. For Carlos Sainz, it could represent the most defining opportunity of his Formula 1 career.

Roundtable Sports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click ‘Join’.