Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, more clearly than ever before, that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. During a recent interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the 44‑year‑old Spaniard remarked that 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 contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current season, and his future has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he announced earlier this year that he would reassess his options. He has repeatedly hinted that a lack of competitiveness in the car would make retirement a tougher decision, and the recent performances of the Aston Martin team have only intensified the uncertainty. After a difficult start to the year, which saw him forced to retire from the opening two races, Alonso managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – the only occasion this season that either of the team's cars completed a full Grand Prix distance.
"The time will tell. I will feel it," Alonso said when asked about his plans. "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 and has now spent 41 years of his life doing exactly that. "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," he added. The broader context of Alonso's statements is the challenging environment that Aston Martin has faced since the introduction of the new 2026 technical regulations.
The team entered the era with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and becoming the works partner of Honda's power unit. Yet, despite the engineering pedigree, the team has struggled to find pace, often languishing at the back of the grid. Alongside fellow newcomers Cadillac, Aston Martin has yet to score a point in the three race weekends that have taken place so far, and the only race where a car finished the distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso placed 18th. These difficulties raise questions about the team's ability to attract a top‑level driver for 2027, should Alonso decide to step aside.
The lack of points and the inability to run competitively could limit Aston Martin's options, making it more likely that the team will seek to retain a proven veteran like Alonso, who brings both experience and a high profile. Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to end his distinguished career on a low note, preferring to continue racing until he feels he can still perform at a level that meets his own standards. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar offers several opportunities for Alonso and his team to turn the tide.
The next race weekend, scheduled for May 1‑3 in Miami, will feature the season's second Sprint event, providing an additional chance to score points and showcase any improvements in car performance. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract.
Beyond the immediate race schedule, the 2026 season marks a pivotal year for the sport as a whole. The new regulations aim to promote closer racing, greater sustainability, and a more level playing field among manufacturers.
For teams like Aston Martin, the transition has been rocky, but the long‑term vision includes a more competitive midfield and the potential for breakthroughs as the technical packages mature. Alonso's personal motivations also play a crucial role in his decision‑making. Having won two world championships and amassed a career spanning over two decades, he has experienced both the highs of triumph and the lows of challenging seasons. His love for the sport, combined with a desire to continue contributing to its evolution, suggests that he will weigh both personal satisfaction and professional relevance when deciding whether to sign a new deal.
In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he does not feel ready to hang up his helmet after 2026. He remains enthusiastic about racing, feels competitive, and is eager to keep pushing the limits. While Aston Martin's current struggles add a layer of complexity to his future, the Spaniard's passion for the sport and his commitment to performing at a high level indicate that he will likely seek to extend his Formula 1 career, provided the circumstances allow him to remain competitive and motivated.