Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has dropped the most definitive clue yet that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season, telling reporters that he hopes 2026 will not be his final year behind the wheel. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already secured a place in the sport’s history books with 32 Grand Prix victories and two drivers’ titles, has been candid about his thoughts on retirement, indicating that the decision will hinge on his sense of competitiveness and enjoyment rather than a pre‑set timeline.
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current campaign, and earlier this year he hinted that the upcoming months would be decisive in shaping his future plans. He warned that stepping away from the sport would become increasingly difficult if his machinery failed to deliver the performance he expects. This sentiment was reinforced after a challenging start to the season, where the Aston Martin cars struggled to keep pace with the new 2026 regulations, forcing Alonso to retire early in the first two races and ultimately finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – a race that marked the only occasion this year that either of the team’s entries completed the full distance.
Speaking at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, Alonso reflected on his personal timeline. “The time will tell.
I will feel it,” he said when asked about his long‑term outlook. “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.” Those words capture a blend of optimism and realism, underscoring his desire to remain in a sport that still fuels his passion.
The veteran driver also offered a glimpse into the depth of his commitment to racing. “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,” he explained. “So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept.” This personal narrative highlights not only his longevity but also the emotional weight that retirement would carry for someone who has devoted essentially his entire life to motorsport. Aston Martin’s 2026 season has been anything but smooth. The team entered the new era of technical regulations with high expectations, bolstered by the recruitment of legendary designer Adrian Newey and a partnership with Honda as the works engine supplier.
Yet, despite these promising elements, the team has struggled to translate engineering prowess into on‑track results. Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was expected to occupy the back of the grid, Aston Martin has yet to break into the points after three race weekends. Alonso’s 18th‑place finish in Japan stands as the sole instance where either of their cars managed to complete a Grand Prix without retiring early. The lack of points and the ongoing performance gap raise questions about Aston Martin’s ability to attract a top‑tier replacement driver for 2027.
If the team cannot offer a competitive package, the pool of candidates willing to take over from a driver of Alonso’s stature may be limited. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to walk away after a season that has been marked by disappointment rather than triumph, preferring to stay and help the team improve rather than exit on a low note.
Beyond the immediate concerns of driver contracts, the broader Formula 1 calendar for 2026 continues to evolve. Fans can look forward to a full slate of races, with the Miami Grand Prix slated for May 1‑3, marking the season’s second Sprint weekend. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers have the option to stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, allowing them to cancel at any time.
Additional content, such as The F1 Show podcast and real‑time updates via Sky Sports on WhatsApp, provides enthusiasts with multiple avenues to stay engaged with the sport. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s recent remarks paint a picture of a driver who remains deeply motivated and eager to continue competing, provided he feels he can still be competitive and enjoy the experience. His personal connection to racing, spanning over four decades, suggests that any decision to retire will be driven more by personal fulfillment than by external pressures.
As Aston Martin works to close the performance gap and the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Alonso can help the team climb the standings and whether his desire to keep racing will translate into another year, or perhaps several, at the pinnacle of motorsport.