Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled that he hopes to continue racing in Formula One beyond the 2026 season, indicating that he does not yet feel the time has come to hang up his helmet. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already secured a place in the sport’s history books with 32 Grand Prix victories and two drivers' championships, made the comments during an interview at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco. He expressed a desire for 2026 to "hopefully not be the last season" for him in the premier motorsport series. Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the close of the current campaign, and the driver has previously hinted that he would reassess his future this year.
He has also warned that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a harder decision, underscoring how closely his motivation is tied to the performance of the car he drives. In the opening two rounds of the 2026 season, the Aston Martin team struggled significantly, forcing Alonso to retire early in both races before finally finishing 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix – the only occasion this year that either of the team's cars has completed a full race distance. When asked about his plans, Alonso replied, "The time will tell.
I will feel it," adding, "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 the wheel at the age of three. "I’m 44 now, which means I’ve spent 41 years of my life in a racing seat.
The moment I have to stop racing will be an incredibly difficult decision and a tough thing to accept," he said. The broader context of the 2026 Formula 1 season is also worth noting.
The sport is undergoing a major regulatory overhaul, with new aerodynamic and power‑unit specifications set to reshape the competitive landscape. Aston Martin entered the new era with high expectations, having recruited legendary designer Adrian Newey and secured a works partnership with Honda for their power units.
Despite the technical pedigree, the team has endured a "nightmare" start, failing to score points in any of the first three race weekends. Their performance has lagged behind that of fellow newcomers Cadillac, whose struggles were anticipated, but Aston Martin’s difficulties have been more pronounced. Alonso’s 18th‑place finish in Japan was the only instance this season where an Aston Martin car completed the full race distance, highlighting the reliability and pace issues that have plagued the squad. These challenges could have implications for the team's driver lineup heading into 2027.
If the team cannot attract a high‑profile replacement for Alonso, they may be forced to retain him despite a disappointing season, especially given his expressed willingness to stay on if the car becomes more competitive. Beyond the on‑track action, the season also features a variety of media and fan‑engagement opportunities. The Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, will host the second Sprint weekend of the year, offering a shorter race format that adds excitement for spectators.
Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the event live, and fans can stream races through NOW without a long‑term contract, canceling at any time. Additionally, The F1 Show podcast provides in‑depth analysis, while Sky Sports maintains an active presence on WhatsApp for real‑time news, video highlights, and interactive features.
Looking ahead, the 2026 calendar promises a full slate of races across the globe, with a mix of traditional venues and new locations that reflect Formula 1’s ambition to expand its reach. As teams adapt to the new technical regulations, performance gaps are expected to widen before eventually narrowing as data accumulates and development cycles progress. For drivers like Alonso, the evolving competitive environment offers both challenges and opportunities.
His experience and racecraft could prove invaluable in helping a struggling team like Aston Martin find the pace needed to compete for points, while also allowing him to demonstrate that he still possesses the speed and determination that made him a champion. In summary, Fernando Alonso remains optimistic about his future in Formula 1.
He feels motivated, competitive, and happy behind the wheel, and he hopes that 2026 will not be his final year in the sport. While Aston Martin’s early-season woes have created uncertainty, the driver’s passion and willingness to continue suggest that, should the team improve its performance, he will likely stay on to chase further success. The upcoming races, including the high‑profile Miami Sprint, will provide additional data points for both the driver and the team as they navigate the challenges of a transformative era in Formula 1.