Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, perhaps more clearly than ever before, his desire to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. In a recent interview at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco, the 44‑year‑old driver said he hopes 2026 will not be his final year in the sport, adding that he still feels competitive, motivated and genuinely happy when he is behind the wheel. Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current campaign, and the Spaniard has already hinted that he will reassess his future during this year. He previously explained that a lack of competitiveness in his car would make retirement a tougher decision, implying that a more promising performance could persuade him to stay on.
This sentiment was reinforced by his recent results: after being forced to withdraw from the opening two Grands Prix, he managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix, the only race this season in which either of the Aston Martin cars completed the full distance. "The time will tell. I will feel it," Alonso told reporters at the Monaco historic event. "At the moment, I don’t feel it’s that time yet.
I feel competitive, I feel motivated, I feel happy when I drive. So, yeah, hopefully not the last season." He went on to reflect on his lifelong passion for racing, noting that he first got behind a steering wheel at the age of three. "I’m 44 now, which means I’ve spent roughly 41 years of my life driving," he said. "When the moment comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a difficult reality to accept." The broader context of Alonso’s comments is the challenging start that Aston Martin has experienced under the new 2026 technical regulations.
The team entered the season with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and forming a works partnership with Honda for power units. However, the reality on the track has been starkly different. Alongside newcomers Cadillac, who were anticipated to struggle at the back of the grid, Aston Martin has yet to score a single point after three race weekends.
The Japanese Grand Prix saw both of its cars finish, but only Alonso’s car crossed the line, and even then he was 18th, far from the points‑scoring positions. These early difficulties raise questions about the team’s ability to attract a top‑tier driver for the 2027 season. If Aston Martin cannot improve its performance quickly, it may have limited leverage in negotiations with potential replacements for Alonso. Conversely, the veteran driver might be reluctant to abandon his seat after a season that has been far from ideal, especially if he believes the package can become competitive with further development.
Alonso’s desire to stay in the sport also reflects his deep love for racing. He has been a fixture in Formula 1 for over two decades, winning world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, and later achieving notable successes with McLaren, Ferrari and, most recently, Aston Martin. His career has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a reputation for extracting the maximum from any car he drives. This background fuels his optimism that, despite a rocky start, the 2026 season could still offer moments of competitiveness and personal satisfaction.
Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar will see the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also host the season’s second Sprint race. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract.
The upcoming races will be crucial for Aston Martin to demonstrate progress under the new regulations and for Alonso to gauge whether his performance and enthusiasm align with a continued tenure in the sport. In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he does not view 2026 as his swan song.
He feels a strong connection to the sport, a lingering competitive fire, and a personal history that stretches back to early childhood. While Aston Martin’s early struggles under the 2026 rule changes present challenges, they also provide a potential catalyst for the team to rally and improve.
Whether the Spanish veteran will sign a new deal, seek opportunities elsewhere, or ultimately decide to retire will depend on how the remainder of the season unfolds and whether the car can deliver the performance he believes he is capable of achieving.