Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has dropped perhaps his clearest signal yet that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1, suggesting that the 2026 season will "hopefully not be my final year" behind the wheel. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already hinted that he will review his future plans this year, admitted that the decision to step away would become considerably tougher if his car fails to deliver competitive performances.
Alonso's current deal with Aston Martin expires at the close of the 2026 campaign, and his recent outings have been a mixed bag. After being forced to retire from the first two races of the year, he managed to finish 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking the only occasion this season that either of the team's cars has completed the full race distance. In an interview at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the veteran driver reflected on his outlook: "Only time will tell.
I will feel it when the moment arrives," he said. "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." Alonso also spoke about his lifelong passion for racing, noting that he first got behind the wheel at the tender age of three.
"I have spent 41 years of my life in a racing seat," he remarked, "and the thought of having to stop would be an incredibly hard decision and very difficult to accept." The broader context of the 2026 season adds further layers to the discussion. Aston Martin entered this new era of Formula 1 regulations with high expectations, having secured the services of renowned designer Adrian Newey and forming a works partnership with Honda for power units.
Yet, the team has endured a disastrous start. Alongside newcomers Cadillac—who were expected to be at the back of the grid—Aston Martin has struggled to find any points-scoring pace over the first three race weekends. Apart from Alonso's 18th‑place finish in Japan, neither car has managed to finish a Grand Prix, highlighting the steep learning curve imposed by the 2026 technical rule changes. This performance slump raises questions about the team's ability to attract a top‑tier replacement driver for 2027, should Alonso decide to retire.
The lack of results may limit Aston Martin's bargaining power in the driver market, potentially forcing them to retain their experienced lead driver for another year. Conversely, Alonso's own desire to stay appears strong; his statements convey a mix of optimism and realism.
He acknowledges the challenges but also emphasizes his personal motivation and enjoyment of racing, suggesting that a more competitive package could persuade him to extend his tenure. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar for 2026 continues to evolve, with the next race weekend set for May 1‑3 in Miami, featuring the season's second Sprint event. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract.
Meanwhile, the sport's governing bodies and teams are still adapting to the new aerodynamic and power‑unit specifications that define the 2026 era, a process that will likely see performance gaps gradually close as teams refine their designs. In summary, Fernando Alonso's recent comments paint a picture of a driver who is still deeply in love with the sport, unwilling to call it quits until he feels the time is truly right. While his current team faces significant technical hurdles, his personal drive and the potential for a more competitive car could see him remain on the grid beyond 2026, continuing to add chapters to an already remarkable racing career.