Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, perhaps more clearly than ever before, that he hopes to continue his Formula 1 career beyond the 2026 season. In a candid interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the 44‑year‑old Spaniard said he does not yet feel the time has arrived for him to step away from the sport, adding that he would like 2026 to be "hopefully not the last season" for him behind the wheel. Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current campaign, and the driver has previously indicated that he would reassess his future during this year.
He has also hinted that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a tougher decision. The recent races have been a mixed bag for the veteran: he was forced to retire from the opening two Grand Prix due to technical issues, and he managed only an 18th‑place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, which was the sole occasion this season that an Aston Martin car completed a full race distance. When asked about his plans, Alonso replied, "The time will tell.
I will feel it," before elaborating, "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 lingering passion for racing that has defined his life for more than four decades. "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. The moment I have to stop racing will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept," he added. Alonso’s desire to stay in the sport comes at a turbulent time for his team.
Aston Martin entered the new era of Formula 1 regulations in 2026 with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and a works partnership with Honda. The hope was that these moves would catapult the team into the upper echelons of the grid. However, the reality has been far less rosy. Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was anticipated to start at the back of the field, Aston Martin 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 an Aston Martin 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 top‑tier replacement driver for 2027 should Alonso decide to leave. Conversely, the poor performance could also make Alonso reluctant to retire after a season that has been far from his usual standards. The driver’s experience and status bring valuable feedback to the development program, and his continued presence might be seen as a stabilising factor as the team works through the growing pains of the new technical regulations.
Beyond the immediate concerns of driver contracts and team performance, Alonso’s statement underscores a broader theme in modern Formula 1: the longevity of drivers’ careers. Advances in fitness, nutrition, and simulator training have enabled several drivers to compete at a high level well into their late thirties and early forties.
Alonso himself has defied conventional expectations, returning to the sport after a brief hiatus and immediately proving he can still challenge for podiums. His willingness to keep racing, provided he feels competitive and motivated, reflects a shift in how drivers view retirement—not as a predetermined age but as a personal assessment of performance and enjoyment. Looking ahead, the 2026 calendar remains packed with exciting events.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, the series will head to Miami for its second Sprint weekend on May 1‑3, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can also stream every race without a long‑term contract via NOW, allowing them to cancel at any time. In addition, Sky Sports offers a dedicated F1 podcast and a WhatsApp service for the latest news, videos, and analysis, ensuring that enthusiasts stay connected to the sport’s evolving storylines.
In summary, Fernando Alonso’s remarks paint a picture of a driver who remains deeply attached to the thrill of racing. While his current team, Aston Martin, grapples with the challenges of a new regulatory era, his personal desire to continue competing hinges on feeling competitive, motivated, and happy behind the wheel. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Spaniard can help steer his team out of its early struggles and whether his own performance will convince him that 2026 truly is not his final chapter in Formula 1.