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. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who is currently under contract with Aston Martin until the end of this year, told reporters at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco that he hopes 2026 will not be his final campaign. “The time will tell. I will feel it,” he said, adding that he does not yet feel the moment has arrived for him to hang up his helmet.
“I feel competitive, I feel motivated, I feel happy when I drive. So, yeah, hopefully not the last season.” Alonso’s comments come after a turbulent start to his latest stint in the sport.
Earlier this year he announced that he would reassess his future in Formula 1, noting that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a harder decision. The reality of those words was evident in the opening two races of the 2026 calendar, where his Aston Martin car suffered mechanical failures that forced him to retire before the chequered flag. It was only in Japan, at the Suzuka Circuit, that he managed to bring the car home, albeit in 18th place, marking the sole finish for the team in the first three rounds.
When asked about his long‑term plans, Alonso reflected on his lifelong relationship with motorsport. “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 said. “So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept.” Those words underline the depth of his passion and the difficulty of contemplating retirement, especially when the competitive outlook remains uncertain. Aston Martin’s 2026 season has been anything but smooth.
The team entered the new era of regulations with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and forged a works partnership with Honda’s power units. Yet the promise of those collaborations has yet to translate into points on the board. Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was expected to struggle at the back of the grid, Aston Martin has failed to break into the top ten, and the only race where a car completed the full distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso finished 18th. The lack of results raises questions about the team’s ability to attract a high‑profile replacement driver for 2027, should Alonso decide to step away.
The broader context of the 2026 season is also worth noting. Formula 1 is undergoing a major technical shift, with new aerodynamic concepts, sustainable fuel mandates, and a restructured financial model that aims to level the playing field. Teams like Aston Martin have invested heavily in research and development, hoping that the new regulations will eventually play to their strengths. However, early-season teething problems are common, and many observers believe that the team’s performance could improve dramatically as the year progresses and the car’s development cycle matures.
Alonso’s personal motivation appears to be intact despite the setbacks. He emphasized that he still feels “competitive” and “motivated,” suggesting that the driver’s internal drive remains strong even when the machinery is not delivering results. This mindset is crucial for any driver hoping to extend his career, as the mental resilience required to push through a difficult season can be as important as raw speed. Looking ahead, the next race on the calendar is the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, which will also host the season’s second Sprint weekend.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW for viewers who prefer a contract‑free experience. Fans will be eager to see whether Aston Martin can turn the tide in Miami and provide Alonso with a more competitive platform to showcase his talent. If the team manages to extract more performance from the Honda power unit and refine the aerodynamic package, Alonso could find himself fighting for points again, which would reinforce his desire to stay on for another year.
Conversely, if the struggles persist, the driver may have to weigh the emotional cost of continuing in an uncompetitive car against the satisfaction of still being part of the sport he loves. In the broader narrative of Formula 1, Alonso’s situation reflects a common dilemma faced by veteran drivers: balancing the love of racing with the realities of performance and team dynamics.
His career, spanning over two decades, includes memorable stints with Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Aston Martin, each chapter marked by triumphs, challenges, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on a combination of factors: the team’s progress, the competitiveness of the car, personal health and motivation, and perhaps the allure of new opportunities within the sport, such as mentorship roles or involvement in team development. For now, Alonso’s message is clear—he is not ready to call it quits, and he hopes that 2026 will be just another step in a long and storied journey rather than the final lap.