Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, perhaps more clearly than ever before, that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades, told reporters at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco that he hopes 2026 will not be his final year in the sport.
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and the driver has been candid about the factors that will influence his decision. Earlier this year he hinted that he would reassess his future once the season progressed, noting that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a tougher choice. In recent weeks, after a difficult start that saw him forced to retire from the first two races and then finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix, he reiterated that he still feels motivated and happy when he is behind the wheel.
"The time will tell. I will feel it," he said during his interview 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." The veteran driver also reflected on his lifelong love of racing, reminding listeners that he first got behind a steering wheel at the tender age of three.
"I am 44 now, which means I have spent roughly 41 years of my life driving a car," he explained. "When the day finally comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a very difficult thing to accept." Alonso’s remarks come at a turbulent moment for his team.
Aston Martin entered the 2026 era of Formula 1 with high expectations, bolstered by the recruitment of legendary designer Adrian Newey and a new works partnership with Honda. Yet the reality on the track has been starkly different. The team has struggled to adapt to the radically altered aerodynamic and power‑unit regulations, and after three race weekends they have yet to score a single point. The only race in which an Aston Martin car completed the full distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso’s car finished 18th.
This lack of performance not only hampers the team’s championship hopes but also limits its ability to attract a marquee replacement driver for 2027. If the team cannot offer a competitive package, it may be forced to retain its current lineup, including Alonso, even if the driver eventually decides to move on. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to walk away after a season that has been far from the success he is accustomed to.
The broader context of the 2026 season also deserves mention. The sport is undergoing its most significant technical overhaul since the turbo‑hybrid era began in 2014. New aerodynamic concepts, larger wheels, and a shift toward more sustainable fuels have forced every team to redesign their cars from the ground up. While some newcomers, such as Cadillac, entered the grid with modest expectations, established outfits like Aston Martin hoped that their fresh technical partnerships would give them a competitive edge.
So far, the reality has been a stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded the pre‑season launch. Alonso’s personal narrative adds another layer of intrigue. He first entered Formula 1 in 2001 with Minardi, quickly rising through the ranks to claim his first world championship with Renault in 2005 and a second title with Ferrari in 2006.
After a brief hiatus and a stint in other racing categories, he returned to the pinnacle of motorsport in 2021 with Alpine, before moving to Aston Martin for the 2023 season. Throughout his career, Alonso has been praised for his technical feedback, racecraft, and relentless determination.
Even when his cars have not been front‑running, he has consistently extracted the maximum performance possible, often out‑qualifying or out‑pacing teammates in less competitive machinery. Given his reputation, it is understandable why both the driver and the team would be eager to extend their partnership. For Aston Martin, retaining a driver of Alonso’s stature could help attract sponsors, provide valuable development input, and keep the team in the public eye while they work to close the performance gap.
For Alonso, staying with a team that shows potential for improvement aligns with his desire to remain competitive and continue racing at the highest level. Looking ahead, the next race on the calendar is the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, which will also host the season’s second Sprint weekend. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Aston Martin can finally break through the midfield barrier and whether Alonso can deliver a result that reignites his championship ambitions.
The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract. In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he does not view 2026 as his final year in Formula 1. He feels motivated, competitive, and deeply passionate about racing, and he hopes to continue piloting the Aston Martin car for as long as the team can provide a platform that meets his high standards. While the team’s current performance woes present challenges, both driver and outfit share a mutual interest in turning the tide.
The upcoming races will be crucial in shaping the narrative for the rest of the season and potentially determining whether Alonso’s journey in Formula 1 will extend well beyond 2026.