Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he is not planning to hang up his helmet after the 2026 season. In a candid interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the 44‑year‑old driver expressed hope that 2026 will "hopefully not be my last season" in Formula 1. Alonso, who has been a fixture on the grid for more than four decades, reiterated his desire to keep competing as long as he feels competitive and motivated.
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of the current season, and the Spaniard has already hinted that he will reassess his future in the sport this year. He has previously warned that a lack of a competitive car could make retirement a tougher decision, underscoring how closely his continuation is tied to the performance of the machinery beneath him. This sentiment was evident after a difficult start to the year, which saw him forced to retire in the first two races and then finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – the only race so far where an Aston Martin car has completed the full distance. "The time will tell.
I will feel it," Alonso said when asked about his plans. "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." His words reflected a genuine passion for the sport that has defined his life. "I love what I do. I love racing. I did my first race when I was three years old, and I am 44, so 41 years of my life I have been behind a steering wheel.
So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept," he added. Alonso's career has been marked by remarkable highs – two world titles, numerous race wins, and a reputation as one of the most adaptable and technically skilled drivers of his generation. Yet the recent struggles of his team have added an extra layer of complexity to his future plans.
Aston Martin entered the new era of F1 regulations in 2026 with high expectations, buoyed by the recruitment of legendary designer Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda as a works engine supplier. The team also faced competition from newcomers like Cadillac, which were expected to be at the back of the grid initially.
However, Aston Martin's performance has been far from the promised breakthrough; after three race weekends, the team has yet to score a single point, and the only race where an Aston Martin car finished the full Grand Prix distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso placed 18th. This lack of results could have significant implications for the team's driver lineup moving forward. If Aston Martin continues to struggle, their ability to attract a top‑tier replacement for Alonso in 2027 may be limited. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to step away from the sport after a season that has been anything but successful, especially if he believes the team can turn a corner with further development of the new car and the Honda power unit.
His continued presence could provide the experience and feedback needed to help the team improve, while also giving him a chance to fight for better results before he finally decides to retire. Beyond the immediate concerns of performance, Alonso's comments also highlight the broader context of driver longevity in modern Formula 1. Advances in fitness regimes, nutrition, and car ergonomics have allowed drivers to extend their careers well beyond the ages that were once considered the norm. At 44, Alonso is already among the oldest active drivers, but he is not alone; other veterans such as Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen have also demonstrated that age need not be a barrier to competitiveness.
Alonso's desire to stay on the grid as long as he feels he can still compete underscores this shift, suggesting that future drivers may similarly prioritize personal satisfaction and competitive potential over a predetermined retirement age. For fans, the prospect of seeing Alonso continue beyond 2026 adds an extra narrative thread to the upcoming races. The next event on the calendar is the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, which will also feature the second Sprint weekend of the season. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the event live, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, offering flexibility for those who want to follow the action.
In summary, Fernando Alonso has signaled a clear intention to keep racing as long as he feels he can be competitive, motivated, and happy behind the wheel. While his contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the season and the team's performance has been disappointing, his passion for the sport and his personal milestones – more than four decades of racing – suggest that retirement is not imminent.
Whether Aston Martin can improve its fortunes in the remaining races of 2026 will likely play a crucial role in shaping both the team's future driver lineup and Alonso's own decision about when to finally step away from Formula 1.