Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has offered the clearest indication yet that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season, expressing a hope that the upcoming year will not be his final one behind the wheel. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who has already announced that his contract with Aston Martin will expire at the close of the current campaign, has repeatedly hinted that his decision about retirement will hinge on the competitiveness of his machinery and his personal sense of motivation.
Alonso first signaled that he would reassess his future during the 2024 season, noting that a lack of pace could make stepping away from the sport more difficult. In the opening two rounds of the year, the Aston Martin driver was forced to retire early, only to return for the Japanese Grand Prix where he finished 18th, the sole instance of either of the team’s cars completing the full race distance so far this year.
Speaking at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, Alonso was asked directly about his plans. "The time will tell. I will feel it," he replied, emphasizing that his decision will be guided by his own feelings rather than external pressure. "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 his first experience behind a steering wheel came at the tender age of three. "I am 44 now, which means I have spent 41 years of my life driving," he said.
"When the day comes that I have to stop racing, it will be an incredibly hard decision and a difficult reality to accept." Alonso's comments arrive against a backdrop of a challenging start for Aston Martin under the new 2026 regulations. The team entered the era with high expectations, having secured the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey and forged a works partnership with Honda. Yet, despite these promising developments, the team has struggled to adapt to the revised aerodynamic and power‑unit rules. Over the first three race weekends of the season, neither of the Aston Martin cars has managed to finish in the points, and the only race they completed was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso's 18th place underscored the difficulty of extracting performance from the new package.
The broader field has also seen upheaval, with the addition of Cadillac as a new entrant. While Cadillac was expected to occupy the back of the grid as it builds its operation, Aston Martin's performance issues have placed them in a similar predicament, raising questions about the team's ability to attract a top‑tier driver for 2027 should Alonso decide to step aside. Conversely, the Spaniard may find it hard to walk away after a season that has tested his patience and resilience. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar promises more excitement, with the Miami Grand Prix scheduled for May 1‑3, marking the second Sprint weekend of the year.
Fans will be able to follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, and the network also offers streaming options through NOW, allowing viewers to cancel at any time without a long‑term contract. Alonso’s determination to continue racing is rooted in both personal ambition and a desire to prove that he can still be competitive in a rapidly evolving sport. His statement that he feels "motivated" and "happy" when driving suggests that, despite the setbacks, the internal drive that propelled him to two world titles remains strong. The 44‑year‑old’s career has spanned more than four decades, a testament to his adaptability and skill across multiple eras of Formula 1 technology.
If the 2026 season does indeed become a turning point, several scenarios could unfold. One possibility is that Aston Martin manages to close the performance gap, perhaps through further development of the Honda power unit or refinements to Newey’s aerodynamic concepts. Improved results would not only boost the team's morale but also provide Alonso with the competitive platform he craves, potentially extending his tenure with the team. Alternatively, if the car continues to lag, Alonso might explore options with other manufacturers seeking a seasoned champion to mentor younger talent.
His wealth of experience, combined with a reputation for extracting maximum performance from under‑powered machinery, makes him an attractive candidate for teams looking to accelerate their development curve. Regardless of the outcome, Alonso’s remarks underscore a central theme in modern motorsport: the balance between personal passion and the pragmatic realities of team performance.
As the sport moves further into an era defined by hybrid power units, sophisticated aerodynamics, and increasingly stringent budget caps, drivers like Alonso must weigh their love for the craft against the likelihood of achieving podium finishes. In summary, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he does not view 2026 as his swan song. He feels physically and mentally prepared to keep racing, provided his car can offer the competitiveness he desires.
The coming months will reveal whether Aston Martin can deliver a package that satisfies both the team’s ambitions and Alonso’s personal goals, or whether the Spaniard will seek new horizons elsewhere in the sport. Either way, his commitment to the sport remains unwavering, and fans can anticipate further statements and on‑track action as the season unfolds.