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 "2026 will not be my final year" behind the wheel. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already hinted that his future will be reassessed this year, reiterated that his decision will hinge heavily on the competitiveness of his machinery.
In recent interviews, he emphasized that a lack of pace would make retirement a far tougher choice. Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the 2024 campaign, and the season has already been a roller‑coaster for the veteran driver. After being forced to retire from the first two rounds due to technical issues, he managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – a result that, while modest, marked the only occasion this year that either of the team’s cars completed a full Grand Prix distance.
During a press conference at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the former champion elaborated on his mindset. "Only time will tell, and I’ll know when the moment arrives," he said.
"Right now, I don’t feel that the time has come. I feel competitive, motivated, and genuinely happy when I’m driving.
So, I’m hoping this won’t be my last season." Alonso also reflected on his lifelong passion for racing. "I love what I do.
I love racing. I had my first race when I was three years old, and now I’m 44, which means I’ve spent 41 years with my hands on a steering wheel," he explained. "When the day finally comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a difficult reality to accept." The broader context of the 2026 Formula 1 season adds further intrigue to Alonso’s statements.
The sport’s new technical regulations, slated to take full effect in 2026, have already caused a tumultuous start for several teams, including Aston Martin. Despite the high expectations that came with the recruitment of legendary designer Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda as a works engine supplier, the British outfit has struggled to find pace.
Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was always expected to start at the back of the grid, Aston Martin has yet to score a point in the three race weekends that have taken place so far. Alonso’s 18th‑place finish in Japan remains the sole instance in which either of the team’s cars has managed to finish a Grand Prix without retiring. These performance challenges could have significant implications for the team’s driver lineup moving forward.
If Aston Martin continues to lag behind the front‑running cars, their ability to attract a high‑profile replacement for Alonso in 2027 may be limited. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to walk away from the sport after a season that, despite its difficulties, still showcases his enduring love for competition and his desire to prove that he can still be a contender. Beyond the immediate race results, the 2026 calendar promises an exciting lineup of events, with the Miami Grand Prix slated for May 1‑3, marking the season’s second Sprint weekend.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. Additionally, listeners can stay updated on the latest developments through The F1 Show podcast and Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channels, which provide news, videos, analysis, and more. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s recent comments suggest a strong willingness to continue his Formula 1 journey past the 2026 season, provided he feels competitive and motivated.
While his current team, Aston Martin, faces a steep learning curve under the new regulations, the champion’s passion for racing and his historic longevity in the sport indicate that retirement is not yet on his immediate horizon. As the season unfolds and the new technical era takes shape, all eyes will be on whether Alonso can translate his enthusiasm into on‑track results that justify an extended stay in the pinnacle of motorsport.