Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he hopes to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season, indicating that he does not see that year as his final chapter in the sport. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already hinted that he will reassess his future this year, said his decision will hinge on how competitive his car remains and how he feels on the track. Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign. The season has already been a roller‑coaster for the veteran driver.
After being forced to retire from the first two races due to technical problems, he managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking the only occasion this year that an Aston Martin car has crossed the finish line after completing the full race distance. Speaking at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, Alonso reflected on his future with characteristic candor. "The time will tell.
I will feel it," he told reporters. "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 explain how deeply racing is woven into his identity: "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.
So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept." Alonso's remarks come against a backdrop of a challenging year for Aston Martin. The team entered the new era of regulations in 2026 with high expectations, boosted by the recruitment of legendary designer Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda as a works engine supplier. Yet the reality on track has been starkly different.
Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was always expected to occupy the back of the grid, Aston Martin has struggled to find pace, failing to score a single point over the first three race weekends. Alonso's 18th‑place finish in Japan remains the only instance where either of the team's cars has completed a full Grand Prix distance so far this season. The lack of results raises questions about Aston Martin's ability to attract a top‑level replacement for Alonso in 2027. If the team cannot offer a competitive package, it may have limited leverage in negotiations with other high‑profile drivers.
Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to walk away from a career that has spanned more than four decades, especially after a season that has tested his patience and resilience. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar for 2026 includes a full schedule of races across the globe, with the next event being the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year. 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.
Beyond the immediate race weekend, Alonso's situation highlights a broader theme in modern Formula 1: the balance between driver longevity and the relentless push for performance. As the sport evolves with new aerodynamic concepts, hybrid power units, and increasingly sophisticated data analysis, seasoned drivers like Alonso must adapt continually.
Their experience can be invaluable for developing cars, yet teams also demand results that translate into points and podiums. Alonso's career trajectory offers a compelling narrative. After winning his two world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, he endured a period of mixed fortunes before returning to the front of the grid with McLaren and later with Ferrari. His recent move to Aston Martin was seen as a chance to bring his expertise to a rising team, but the transition has been hampered by the steep learning curve associated with the 2026 rule changes.
Despite these obstacles, Alonso's statements suggest he still feels a strong connection to the sport and believes he can still contribute meaningfully. If he does decide to stay beyond 2026, several scenarios could unfold.
He might sign a short‑term extension with Aston Martin, providing continuity while the team works to close the performance gap. Alternatively, he could explore opportunities with other manufacturers seeking a veteran presence to guide younger drivers and help shape car development. In any case, his decision will likely be influenced by the competitiveness of the machinery at his disposal and his personal desire to keep racing at the highest level. In summary, Fernando Alonso has signaled that he is not yet ready to hang up his helmet, hoping that 2026 will not be his final season in Formula 1.
While his current team, Aston Martin, faces significant technical challenges, the Spaniard's passion for racing and his belief in his own competitiveness remain strong. The coming months will reveal whether he can secure a competitive seat that satisfies his ambitions, or whether he will ultimately decide that the time has come to retire after a remarkable career that has spanned more than four decades on the world’s premier racing circuits.