Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, perhaps more clearly than ever, that he intends to keep competing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. In a candid interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the 44‑year‑old driver 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 Spaniard has been forced to sit out the opening two rounds of the year after encountering technical problems that forced early retirements.
He finally returned to the grid in Japan, where he finished 18th, marking the only instance this season in which either of the team’s cars has completed a full Grand Prix distance. 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 am 44 now, which means I have spent 41 years of my life racing,” he said. “When the day comes that I have to stop, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a difficult thing to accept.” Alonso’s comments come against the backdrop of a turbulent start for Aston Martin in the new era of Formula 1 regulations that will be fully in effect from 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 for power units. Yet, despite these marquee signings, the team has struggled to adapt to the revised aerodynamic and mechanical rules, finding itself unable to challenge for points in the three races that have taken place so far.
The situation is further complicated by the arrival of new entrant Cadillac, which was expected to occupy the back of the grid from the outset. While Cadillac’s performance has been predictably modest, Aston Martin’s lack of progress is more concerning for the organization, especially as it seeks to attract a top‑level driver to replace Alonso should he decide to step away after 2026.
If the team continues to languish outside the points, its bargaining power in driver negotiations could be severely limited. Alonso’s desire to stay on the grid is not merely a matter of personal ambition; it also reflects his belief that the team can turn its fortunes around.
He has repeatedly emphasized that a competitive car is essential for his continued participation, and he has hinted that the development work being carried out this season could start to bear fruit as the new regulations settle in. The driver’s experience and technical feedback are invaluable assets for a team that is still learning how to extract maximum performance from the new chassis and power‑unit package. The broader Formula 1 calendar also offers several high‑profile events that could serve as turning points for both Alonso and Aston Martin.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, the series moves to the Miami Grand Prix, which will host the second Sprint weekend of the year from May 1‑3. This race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the action via NOW without a long‑term contract.
A strong showing in Miami could provide a much‑needed morale boost and demonstrate that the team’s development trajectory is heading in the right direction. Beyond the on‑track battles, Alonso’s presence in the sport carries significant commercial and media weight.
As a two‑time champion with a global fan base, he remains one of the most recognizable faces in motorsport. His continued participation helps maintain viewer interest and sponsor engagement, which are crucial for the financial health of any team, especially one navigating the costly transition to new technical specifications.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season will be pivotal not only for Alonso’s personal career decisions but also for Aston Martin’s strategic planning. The team must decide whether to invest further in its current technical direction or to consider a more radical overhaul if results do not improve.
Meanwhile, the driver will be weighing his own desire to race against the practical realities of competing in a car that must be capable of challenging for points and, ultimately, podiums. In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he does not feel ready to hang up his helmet after 2026.
He remains passionate about racing, motivated by the prospect of improvement, and hopeful that his current team will become more competitive. As the season progresses and the new regulations become fully integrated, both Alonso and Aston Martin will have ample opportunity to prove that they belong at the front of the grid. Whether they can convert that optimism into tangible results remains to be seen, but the Spaniard’s determination to keep fighting suggests that the story of his Formula 1 career is far from over.