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 candid interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the 44‑year‑old Spaniard said he hopes 2026 will not be his final year in the sport, emphasizing that he still feels competitive, motivated, and genuinely happy when he is behind the wheel. Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current campaign, and the team’s performance this year has been far from encouraging.
After being forced to retire from the opening two rounds due to technical problems, Alonso managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – the only occasion this season that either of the Aston Martin cars completed the full race distance. The team’s struggles have been compounded by the broader challenges of the new 2026 regulations, which were introduced with great fanfare but have so far delivered disappointing results for the British outfit. When asked about his future, 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,” he said. “When the day comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a difficult thing to accept.” Alonso’s remarks come against a backdrop of uncertainty for Aston Martin. The team entered the new era of regulations with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and becoming the official works partner of Honda’s power unit. Yet, despite these promising partnerships, the team has struggled to find pace.
In the three race weekends that have taken place so far, the team has failed to score a single point, and the only race where a car finished the distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso’s 18th‑place finish highlighted the gap to the front‑running squads. The situation is further complicated by the presence of new entrants such as Cadillac, which, although expected to be at the back of the field, has not dramatically altered the competitive landscape. Aston Martin’s lack of points and the poor reliability of their cars mean that the team may have limited bargaining power when it comes to securing a high‑profile replacement for Alonso in 2027.
This reality could work in the driver’s favor, giving him leverage to negotiate an extension if he believes the package can be improved. Alonso’s desire to stay on the grid is also rooted in his love for the sport itself. He has often spoken about the thrill of competition, the constant pursuit of speed, and the camaraderie among drivers and teams.
Over his career, he has amassed two world championships, numerous podiums, and a reputation for extracting performance from cars that are not always front‑runners. His experience and technical feedback are valuable assets for a team seeking to climb the performance ladder under the new regulations. Looking ahead, the 2026 calendar promises an exciting lineup of races, with the next event being the Miami Grand Prix, which will also host the season’s second Sprint weekend. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, and the network offers streaming options through NOW without a long‑term contract, allowing viewers to cancel at any time.
In addition to race coverage, Sky Sports provides podcasts such as The F1 Show, as well as updates via WhatsApp, ensuring that enthusiasts stay informed about the latest developments, analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes stories. In summary, Fernando Alonso remains optimistic about his future in Formula 1. While his current team, Aston Martin, faces a steep learning curve with the new technical rules, the champion’s personal drive, love for racing, and belief in his own competitiveness suggest that he will continue to fight for a seat beyond 2026. Whether the team can turn its fortunes around in time to offer him a competitive car remains to be seen, but Alonso’s statement makes clear that he does not view retirement as an imminent option.
He will assess his situation as the season progresses, and for now, he hopes that the upcoming races will provide the performance and excitement he craves, keeping his Formula 1 journey alive for years to come.