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. In a recent interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the 44‑year‑old Spaniard hinted that 2026 will "hopefully not be my last season," suggesting that his passion for the sport remains strong and that he is not yet ready to hang up his helmet.
Alonso’s future has been a subject of speculation for several months. Earlier this year he said he would reassess his options after the current campaign, noting that the decision would be heavily influenced by the competitiveness of his car.
He admitted that a lack of pace could make retirement a more attractive prospect, but he also stressed that he would only consider stepping away if the team could not deliver a car capable of fighting at the front. His contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of the current season, and the team’s performance has been far from ideal.
After a forced retirement in the opening two rounds of the year – a consequence of technical failures that left the cars unable to start – Alonso managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix, the only race so far where either of the Aston Martin entries completed the full distance. The disappointing start to the 2026 era of new technical regulations has left both driver and team in a difficult position. During the Monaco interview, Alonso explained his mindset in his own words: "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 love of racing, recalling that he first got behind a wheel at the tender age of three.
"I am 44 now, which means I have spent 41 years of my life driving," he said. "When the day comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a tough reality to accept." Alonso’s comments come against a backdrop of a challenging season for Aston Martin.
The team entered 2026 with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and partnered with Honda as a works engine supplier. The combination promised a rapid ascent up the grid, yet the reality has been starkly different. Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was always expected to struggle at the back of the pack, Aston Martin has found itself unable to score points in any of the three races that have taken place so far. Their sole finish inside the race distance – Alonso’s 18th place in Japan – underscores how far the team is from the performance levels they had hoped to achieve.
The lack of results raises several strategic questions for the future. If Aston Martin continues to lag, the team may have limited leverage in attracting a top‑tier replacement driver for 2027, which could make retaining a seasoned champion like Alonso even more appealing. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to end a career that has spanned over two decades, especially after a season that has tested his patience and resolve.
Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar will see the next race weekend in Miami from May 1‑3, featuring the second Sprint event of the season. The Miami Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available via NOW for viewers who prefer a contract‑free experience. Fans can also stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, analysis, and video content by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. Beyond the immediate concerns of the 2026 season, Alonso’s desire to keep racing highlights a broader narrative within Formula 1: the balance between driver longevity and the ever‑accelerating pace of technical development.
As the sport moves into a new regulatory era, teams and drivers alike must adapt quickly. For a veteran like Alonso, whose career includes two world titles, a stint with Renault, a successful period at McLaren, and a resurgence with Alpine before joining Aston Martin, the decision to continue will hinge on whether he can still feel he is competing at a level that satisfies his high standards. In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he does not yet feel the time is right to retire.
He remains motivated, enjoys the act of driving, and hopes that 2026 will not be his final chapter in Formula 1. Whether his team can provide a car capable of delivering the results he desires will be a crucial factor in his ultimate decision.
As the season progresses and the championship unfolds, all eyes will be on the Spanish driver to see if his optimism translates into on‑track success, and whether he will indeed stay on the grid beyond the upcoming season.