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. In a candid interview conducted at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco, the 44‑year‑old Spaniard 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 is behind the wheel. Alonso’s current contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the 2025 campaign, and the question of his future has been a recurring theme in recent months.
Earlier this year he hinted that he would evaluate his options during the season and that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a tougher decision. The recent remarks reinforce that sentiment: "The time will tell. I will feel it," he told reporters, before emphasizing that he does not yet feel the moment to step away has arrived.
He reflected on his lifelong passion for racing, noting that his first experience with a car came when he was just three years old. "I’m 44 now, which means I have spent roughly 41 years of my life at the steering wheel," he said. "When the day finally comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a difficult thing to accept." Alonso’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag, marked by a string of setbacks that have tested his resolve. After being forced to retire from the opening two rounds due to mechanical failures, he managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – a result that, while modest, was the only instance in the year where either of Aston Martin’s cars completed the full race distance.
The team’s performance has been hampered by the introduction of the new 2026 technical regulations, which were supposed to usher in a fresh era of competition but have instead exposed significant developmental challenges for the British outfit. Aston Martin entered the new regulatory period with high expectations, largely because they secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and announced a partnership with Honda as their works engine supplier.
The combination of Newey’s aerodynamic expertise and Honda’s power unit was expected to catapult the team into the upper echelons of the grid. However, reality has proved far more unforgiving. Alongside new entrant Cadillac, which was anticipated to occupy the back of the pack, Aston Martin has struggled to even break into the points.
In the three race weekends completed so far, the team has failed to score a single point, and their best finish remains Alonso’s 18th place in Japan. The lackluster results raise several strategic questions for the team moving forward. With the 2026 season still in its early stages, Aston Martin may find itself with limited options when it comes to recruiting a marquee driver for 2027.
If the performance gap continues, the team could be forced to either invest heavily in development to close the deficit or consider a more radical restructuring of their driver lineup. For Alonso, the prospect of leaving a team that is currently struggling may be unappealing, especially when he still feels he can compete and enjoys the sport. Beyond the immediate concerns of driver contracts, the broader context of Formula 1 in 2026 is also worth noting. The calendar this year features a blend of classic venues and new challenges, with the Miami Grand Prix slated for May 1‑3 as the second Sprint weekend of the season.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, and streaming options are available through NOW without a long‑term contract, offering flexibility for viewers who want to keep up with the sport. Looking ahead, Alonso’s desire to continue racing hinges on several factors: the competitiveness of his car, his personal motivation, and the overall health of the sport. While he acknowledges the difficulty of deciding when to retire, his statements suggest that as long as he feels he can fight for positions and enjoy the experience, he will keep pursuing his passion. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether Aston Martin can turn the tide and provide the driver with a car capable of delivering results that match his ambition.
In summary, Fernando Alonso remains optimistic about extending his Formula 1 career beyond 2026. He feels motivated, competitive, and deeply attached to the sport that has defined much of his life. Although his current team is facing a challenging start under the new regulations, his personal drive and love for racing suggest that he will not step away until he truly feels the time is right. The next few months will be pivotal in shaping both his future and Aston Martin’s trajectory in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.