Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has dropped perhaps the clearest signal yet that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season, hinting that he hopes the year will not be his final one in the sport. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, whose current contract with Aston Martin expires at the close of this campaign, has previously said he would weigh his options this year and that retirement would become a far tougher decision if his car remained uncompetitive. Alonso’s recent on‑track fortunes have been a mixed bag. After being forced to retire from the opening two rounds of the season due to technical failures, he managed to bring the car home in 18th place at the Japanese Grand Prix – a finish that, while far from the podium, marked the only instance so far this year where either of the Aston Martin entries completed the full race distance.
The result underscored the challenges the team has faced as it adapts to the new 2026 regulations, which were introduced with great fanfare and significant expectations, especially after the recruitment of legendary designer Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda as a works engine supplier. Speaking at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, Alonso was asked about his future in the sport. "The time will tell. I will feel it," he replied, his tone measured but optimistic.
"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 the wheel at the age of three.
"I’m 44 now, which means I’ve spent 41 years of my life in a racing seat. The moment I have to stop racing will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept," he said, emphasizing how deeply intertwined his identity is with the sport.
Aston Martin’s early 2026 campaign has been anything but smooth. The team entered the new era with high hopes, buoyed by Newey’s reputation for engineering brilliance and the promise of a powerful Honda power unit.
Yet the reality on the track has been starkly different. Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was always expected to occupy the back of the grid during its debut season, Aston Martin has struggled to get within striking distance of the points. Over the first three race weekends, neither of their cars has managed to finish in the top ten, and the 18th‑place finish in Japan remains the sole complete race for the squad. These performance issues raise several strategic questions for the team moving forward.
With Alonso’s contract set to expire, Aston Martin may find itself with limited leverage to attract a high‑profile replacement for 2027 if the car’s pace does not improve dramatically. Conversely, the veteran driver may be reluctant to walk away from a career that has spanned more than two decades, especially after a season that has been marred by reliability woes and a lack of competitive results. Beyond the immediate concerns of driver contracts, the broader context of Formula 1’s evolving landscape adds another layer of complexity.
The 2026 rule changes, aimed at promoting sustainability through increased hybridisation and the introduction of new power‑unit specifications, have forced all teams to rethink their technical approaches. For Aston Martin, the partnership with Honda is still in its infancy, and the learning curve associated with integrating a new engine architecture while simultaneously adapting to aerodynamic revisions has proven steep. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the team addresses these challenges. Potential solutions include accelerated development programs, strategic hires within the engineering department, and perhaps a more aggressive testing schedule once the summer break arrives.
The upcoming Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, will be the second Sprint weekend of the season and offers another opportunity for the team to showcase any progress they have made. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the event live, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, canceling at any time. In summary, while Alonso’s recent comments suggest he is not yet ready to hang up his helmet, the future of his Formula 1 career is closely tied to the performance trajectory of Aston Martin. If the team can turn the tide and deliver a more competitive package, it could provide the veteran driver with the motivation and confidence needed to extend his tenure beyond 2026.
If not, both parties may face difficult decisions as they look ahead to the next season and beyond. The coming races will be crucial in determining whether the Spaniard’s hope of “not the last season” becomes a reality or remains an aspirational statement amidst a challenging period for his team.