Fernando Alonso, the two‑time World Champion, has dropped the most definitive clue yet that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. In a candid interview at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco, the 44‑year‑old Spaniard 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’s behind the wheel. Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current campaign, and the timing of his comments is significant.
Earlier this year he hinted that he would review his future options, acknowledging that a lack of a competitive car could make retirement a tougher decision. The recent Japanese Grand Prix offered a stark illustration of the challenges he faces: after being forced to retire from the opening two races of the season, he managed to finish 18th in Japan, the only time this year that either of the team’s cars completed the full race distance. When asked about his plans, Alonso replied, “The time will tell. I will feel it.
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 41 years of my life driving.
The moment I have to stop racing will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept,” he said. Alonso’s remarks come against a backdrop of a difficult start for Aston Martin in the new era of regulations that will fully take effect in 2026. The team entered the season with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and forming a works partnership with Honda’s power unit. Yet, despite the technical pedigree, the team has struggled to find pace.
In the three race weekends that have taken place so far, neither of the Aston Martin cars has come close to scoring a point. The Japanese Grand Prix saw the only car finish the race, and even then it was well down the order. The lack of results raises questions about the team’s ability to attract a top‑level replacement for Alonso should he decide to leave after 2026.
If the performance gap continues, the team may be forced to retain the veteran driver for another year, even if they would prefer a younger, long‑term prospect. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to walk away after a season that has been, by his own admission, disappointing. His love for the sport and his desire to prove that he can still be competitive could persuade him to stay on, perhaps even to help guide the team through its development phase. Looking ahead, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a full schedule of races spanning multiple continents.
Fans can stream every Grand Prix without a long‑term contract through various digital platforms, and the sport’s official podcast, The F1 Show, offers in‑depth analysis and interviews. Sky Sports continues to provide live coverage, including the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, which will host the season’s second Sprint weekend on May 1‑3. In addition to the on‑track drama, the sport is undergoing a broader transformation. The introduction of new technical regulations aims to reduce costs, increase competition, and promote sustainability.
Teams like Aston Martin are investing heavily in research and development to adapt to these changes, while also navigating the complexities of new engine partnerships and aerodynamic packages. For a driver of Alonso’s experience, this period of transition presents both challenges and opportunities. His extensive knowledge of car dynamics, race strategy, and vehicle development could prove invaluable to a team seeking to close the performance gap.
Alonso’s career trajectory is a testament to resilience. After a period away from Formula 1, he returned in 2021 with Alpine, quickly reestablishing himself as a front‑runner and scoring multiple podiums. His move to Aston Martin was seen as a chance to bring his expertise to a rising outfit, but the early results have been underwhelming.
Nevertheless, his statements suggest that he remains optimistic about the potential for improvement. "I love what I do. I love racing," he affirmed, underscoring the deep personal connection he has with the sport. If Alonso does choose to stay beyond 2026, his presence could provide a stabilising influence for Aston Martin as they continue to refine their package under the new regulations.
His feedback could accelerate the development of the car, helping the team to move from a point‑scoring drought to regular contention for top‑ten finishes. Moreover, his marketability and fan base would continue to bring valuable exposure to the brand, an important factor for sponsors and partners. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s latest comments indicate a strong desire to keep racing in Formula 1, at least for the 2026 season and possibly longer. While his current team faces significant performance challenges, his personal motivation, love for racing, and extensive experience make it plausible that he will remain an active competitor.
Whether he will ultimately retire after 2026 or continue to chase podiums in the evolving landscape of Formula 1 remains to be seen, but for now, the champion appears far from ready to hang up his helmet.