Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled more clearly than ever that he intends to keep racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season, telling reporters at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco that he hopes "2026 will not be my final year" in the sport. The 44‑year‑old Spaniard, who currently drives for Aston Martin, reiterated his desire to stay competitive and motivated, emphasizing that he still feels a deep love for the craft of racing after more than four decades behind the wheel. Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin expires at the close of the 2026 campaign, and earlier this year he had hinted that he would reassess his future once the season progressed.
He warned that a lack of competitiveness could make retirement a tougher decision, a sentiment that now appears to be reinforced by his recent comments. During his interview at the Monaco historic event, he said, "The time will tell. I will feel it. 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 motorsport, noting that his first race took place when he was just three years old. "I am 44, so 41 years of my life I have been behind a steering wheel.
The moment I have to stop racing will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept," he added, underscoring how intertwined his identity is with the sport. The current season has been a challenging one for Aston Martin. After a disastrous start to the new era of regulations slated for 2026, the team has struggled to find pace despite the high expectations generated by the arrival of design legend Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda as a works engine supplier. Alongside newcomers Cadillac, which was anticipated to occupy the back of the grid, Aston Martin has yet to score a point in the three races that have taken place so far.
The only race where an Aston Martin car completed the full Grand Prix distance was the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alonso finished 18th, marking the sole finish for the team to date. These results raise questions about the team’s ability to attract a top‑tier replacement for Alonso in 2027, should they decide to move in a different direction.
Conversely, the poor performance could also make Alonso reluctant to step away after a season that has not lived up to his standards. His statements suggest a willingness to continue as long as he feels competitive and enjoys the experience. Beyond the immediate storyline, the broader context of Formula 1 in 2026 is worth noting. The sport is undergoing a significant regulatory overhaul aimed at improving sustainability, reducing costs, and enhancing on‑track excitement.
The new technical regulations, which include changes to aerodynamics, power units, and chassis design, have forced all teams to adapt quickly. While some, like Red Bull and Mercedes, appear to have found a rhythm early on, others such as Aston Martin are still searching for the optimal package. Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda was expected to provide a powerful and reliable engine, yet the integration of new power units with the revised aerodynamic concepts has proven more complex than anticipated.
Adrian Newey’s involvement has generated optimism among fans, given his track record of delivering championship‑winning cars. However, translating that expertise into results on the track takes time, especially when the entire grid is dealing with a steep learning curve.
The upcoming Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, will be the second Sprint weekend of the season and offers another opportunity for the team to gauge its progress. Sprint races, introduced a few years ago, provide a shorter, high‑intensity format that can sometimes level the playing field and produce unexpected outcomes. A strong performance in Miami could bolster the morale of both the team and Alonso, reinforcing his desire to stay on.
Off the track, the sport continues to expand its digital footprint. Fans can now stream every Formula 1 race without a traditional contract through services like NOW, and the Sky Sports F1 channel offers live coverage, including the Sprint events.
Podcasts such as The F1 Show and social media channels on platforms like WhatsApp keep enthusiasts updated with news, analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes content. In summary, Fernando Alonso’s recent remarks paint a picture of a seasoned driver who still feels the thrill of competition and is not ready to hang up his helmet.
While Aston Martin’s early-season struggles add uncertainty to his future, his personal motivation and love for racing suggest he will continue to fight for points and podiums as long as the car allows. The next few races, particularly the Miami Sprint, will be crucial in determining whether the team can close the performance gap and provide Alonso with the competitive platform he desires for the remainder of 2026 and possibly beyond.