Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, perhaps more clearly than ever, that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, whose current deal with Aston Martin expires at the close of this year, told reporters at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco that he hopes 2026 will not be his final year in the sport. Alonso’s comments come after a tumultuous start to the 2026 campaign. He had previously hinted that he would reassess his future this season, noting that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a tougher decision.
The opening two rounds of the year forced him into early retirements, and it was only at the Japanese Grand Prix that he managed to finish the race, albeit in 18th place. "The time will tell. I will feel it," he said when asked about his plans. "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." The veteran driver also reflected on his lifelong passion for motorsport. "I love what I do.
I love racing. I did my first race when I was three years old, and I am 44, so 41 years of my life I have been behind a steering wheel. The moment I have to stop racing will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept," he explained.
Alonso’s desire to stay on the grid is intertwined with the broader challenges facing Aston Martin this year. The team entered 2026 with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and a works partnership with Honda. Yet the reality on track has been starkly different. Alongside new entrants Cadillac, whose struggles were anticipated, Aston Martin has yet to score a point in the three races that have taken place so far.
The only full‑race finish for the team came when Alonso crossed the line in Japan, and even then he was well outside the points. This lack of performance raises questions about the team’s ability to attract a top‑tier replacement for Alonso in 2027. If the car continues to lag behind the front runners, the options for a high‑profile driver may be limited, potentially leaving the team to rely on a less experienced lineup.
From Alonso’s perspective, the prospect of ending a distinguished career on a low note is unappealing. He has consistently expressed that his motivation remains high as long as he feels he can compete and enjoy the sport. Looking ahead, the 2026 calendar promises a full slate of races, starting with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, which will also host the season’s second Sprint event. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, and streaming options are available through NOW without a long‑term contract.
Beyond the immediate concerns of points and podiums, Alonso’s situation underscores a larger narrative within Formula 1: the balance between veteran experience and the evolving technical regulations. The 2026 rule changes, aimed at promoting sustainability and cost efficiency, have forced teams to adapt quickly.
While some, like Red Bull and Mercedes, have found ways to remain competitive, others are still searching for the right aerodynamic and power‑unit packages. For Alonso, staying in the sport offers more than just personal fulfillment; it provides an opportunity to mentor younger drivers and contribute to the development of a team that still has the potential to become a front‑running outfit.
His feedback on car setup, race strategy, and tire management is invaluable, especially for a squad still fine‑tuning its new Honda power unit. Moreover, his presence brings a level of credibility and media attention that can attract sponsors and technical partners, which are essential for a team looking to close the performance gap. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s message to the Formula 1 community is clear: he is not ready to hang up his helmet. While the 2026 season has been challenging for both driver and team, his love for racing, competitive spirit, and desire to continue contributing to the sport suggest that he will likely remain in the paddock beyond this year, provided the car shows signs of improvement and the environment remains conducive to his ambitions.
The coming races will be pivotal in determining whether his hopes of extending his career are realized or if the inevitable decision to retire will come sooner rather than later.