Fernando Alonso remains optimistic about extending his Formula 1 career beyond 2026. Despite new challenges, the two-time champion feels competitive and isn't ready to step away from the sport.
Fernando Alonso is not ready to hang up his helmet just yet. The two-time World Champion insists he still feels "competitive" and "motivated" as he contemplates his future in Formula 1. Alonso, who signed a multi-year contract with Aston Martin in 2024, is set to race until 2026, a season marked by significant technical changes. However, the Spaniard has hinted that his tenure might stretch beyond that, depending on how things pan out with Aston Martin's car.
In an interview last year, Alonso mentioned that the team's performance would heavily influence his decision to continue. "If the car goes well, there's a good chance it will be my last year," he told _AS.com_ in Spanish. Yet, speaking at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco before the Miami GP, Alonso seems inclined to keep racing. "I love what I do," he said, reflecting on a career that began when he was just three years old. "The moment I have to stop racing will be tough to accept."
Alonso is now in his 23rd season, and despite the challenges Aston Martin has faced in 2026, he remains upbeat. The team had a rocky start, arriving late at the Barcelona Shakedown and struggling with reliability issues in pre-season testing. These setbacks saw both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll fail to finish in Australia and China. But there was a glimmer of hope in Japan, where Alonso completed all 52 laps at Suzuka, albeit finishing in 18th place.
As the F1 circus heads to Miami, Aston Martin will be hoping for further improvements. For Alonso, the future remains open. "The time will tell," he said about his racing future. "At the moment, I don't feel it is that time yet. I feel competitive, I feel motivated, I feel happy when I drive. So, yeah, hopefully not the last season."