Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled, perhaps more clearly than ever, 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 contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current season, and the timing of his remarks is significant.
Earlier this year, he hinted that he would reassess his future in Formula 1, noting that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a tougher decision. The recent Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished 18th after being forced to retire in the first two races, has only reinforced his desire to stay in the sport as long as his car can deliver results. "The time will tell.
I will feel it," Alonso told reporters at the Monaco historic event. "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, recalling that he first got behind a steering wheel at the age of three. "I’ve spent 41 years of my life driving," he said, emphasizing how difficult it would be to step away from a sport that has defined the majority of his adult life.
"When the moment comes that I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept." The context of Alonso’s comments is the challenging start that Aston Martin has experienced under the new 2026 technical regulations. The team entered the era with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and a works partnership with Honda’s power unit. Yet, the reality on track has been starkly different.
Across the first three race weekends of the season, Aston Martin has struggled to find pace, failing to score a single point. The only race where either of their cars completed the full Grand Prix distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso’s car finished 18th, while his teammate retired early. This performance dip puts the team in a precarious position regarding driver line‑up decisions for 2027. If the team cannot offer a competitive package, attracting a top‑tier replacement for Alonso could prove difficult.
Conversely, Alonso himself may be reluctant to retire after a season that has not lived up to his standards, preferring to fight for better results rather than bow out on a low note. Beyond the immediate driver market, the broader Formula 1 landscape is also shifting.
The 2026 season marks the full implementation of new aerodynamic and power‑unit regulations aimed at improving racing spectacle and sustainability. Teams like Aston Martin, Cadillac, and other newcomers are still adapting to these changes, which could mean that performance gaps may narrow as the season progresses. For Alonso, this presents a potential window to improve results and reinforce his case for staying on.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely. The upcoming Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, will be the second Sprint weekend of the year and offers a chance for Aston Martin to showcase any progress they have made. A strong showing could not only boost the team’s morale but also provide Alonso with the competitive platform he says he needs to feel confident about extending his career.
Alonso’s longevity in the sport is already remarkable. Winning his first championship in 2005 with Renault and adding a second title with Ferrari in 2006, he has amassed over 300 Grand Prix starts and remains one of the most respected figures on the grid. His continued presence adds depth to the driver lineup, offering a blend of experience and technical feedback that is invaluable for a team navigating a new regulatory era.
In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that, as of now, he does not see 2026 as his final chapter in Formula 1. He feels motivated, competitive, and genuinely enjoys the act of racing. While Aston Martin’s early-season struggles have cast a shadow over their prospects, the team still has time to develop under the 2026 regulations, and the upcoming races could prove pivotal. Whether Alonso will ultimately decide to stay beyond 2026 will depend on how quickly the team can turn its fortunes around and whether he can continue to feel the excitement that has driven him since he was a three‑year‑old behind a toy steering wheel.
The next few months will be crucial in determining the future of both the driver and the team.