Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled more clearly than ever that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1, hinting that the 2026 season will "hopefully not be my final year" behind the wheel. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already hinted that he will evaluate his future this year, explained that retiring would become increasingly difficult if his car fails to be competitive.
Alonso’s current deal with Aston Martin expires at the close of the 2026 campaign. So far, the season has been a struggle for the team and its star driver.
After being forced to retire from the first two rounds due to technical issues, Alonso managed to finish eighteenth at the Japanese Grand Prix – the only race this year where an Aston Martin car completed the full distance. During an interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, Alonso reflected on his outlook: "Only time will tell. I’ll know when the moment comes," he said. "Right now, I don’t feel that the time has arrived.
I still feel competitive, motivated, and happy when I’m driving. So, yes, I hope it won’t be my last season." He added a personal perspective on his long‑standing love for racing: "I adore what I do.
I love the sport. I had my first race when I was three years old, and now at 44 I’ve spent 41 years with my hands on a steering wheel. The day I have to stop racing will be an incredibly hard decision and a tough reality to accept." The broader context of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar shows a sport in transition, with a full schedule of races that will test teams and drivers alike.
Fans can stream every Grand Prix without a long‑term contract, listen to The F1 Show podcast, and stay updated through Sky Sports’ various digital channels. Aston Martin, however, has endured a nightmare start to the new era of regulations that will dominate from 2026 onward.
The team entered the season with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and becoming the official works partner of Honda’s power unit program. Yet the promised performance gains have yet to materialise. Alongside new entrant Cadillac – whose modest ambitions placed them at the back of the grid from the outset – Aston Martin has struggled to break into the points.
In the three race weekends completed so far, the only instance of an Aston Martin car finishing a Grand Prix was Alonso’s 18th‑place finish in Japan. This lack of results could have significant implications for the team’s driver lineup moving into 2027.
If Aston Martin cannot attract a top‑tier replacement for Alonso, the veteran may be reluctant to step away after a season that has been far from successful. His continued presence could provide the team with valuable experience and a morale boost as they work to unlock the potential of their new technical package.
Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar resumes on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the event live, and viewers have the option to stream via NOW without committing to a contract, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. In summary, Fernando Alonso remains optimistic about his future in Formula 1, expressing a desire to keep racing beyond 2026 as long as he feels competitive and motivated. While his current team, Aston Martin, faces a challenging debut under the new regulations, Alonso’s experience and passion for the sport could play a pivotal role in shaping both his own career trajectory and the team’s development path in the coming years.
The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether the Spaniard’s hopes of extending his Formula 1 tenure will become a reality, or if the difficulties of a struggling car will eventually prompt him to consider retirement.