Alonso hints at F1 future beyond 2026, says 'I don't feel it's time yet'

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has signaled his desire to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season, stating that he feels "competitive, motivated, and happy" and hopes the upcoming year is "hopefully not the last season." This comes despite a difficult start with Aston Martin, highlighting the veteran's enduring passion for the sport he entered as a three-year-old.

Why it matters:

At 44, Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid, and his future decisions are closely watched as a barometer for driver longevity and commitment. His potential continuation defies the traditional career arc and could influence the driver market, especially for a team like Aston Martin, which may struggle to attract a top-tier replacement if performance does not improve. For fans, it means the sport retains one of its most experienced and determined characters.

The details:

• Alonso made his comments at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, providing his strongest indication yet about wanting to extend his career. He stated, "The time will tell. I will feel it. At the moment, I don't feel it's that time yet."
• His current contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season, making his future a topic of immediate speculation.
• The Spaniard's motivation remains deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong dedication to racing. "I love what I do. I love racing... So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept," he said.
• This perspective marks a shift from earlier in the year when he suggested he would consider his future and that retiring would be harder if his car was uncompetitive.

What's next:

The immediate challenge for Alonso and Aston Martin is to improve their on-track performance. The team has had a disastrous start to F1's new regulatory era in 2026, failing to score a point in the first three races, with Alonso's 18th-place finish in Japan being their only race completion. This lack of competitiveness could paradoxically make a separation less likely for 2027, as Aston Martin may have limited options to sign a leading driver, and Alonso may be unwilling to end his storied career on such a low note. His future will ultimately depend on whether his motivation and physical conditioning remain high, and if he believes the team can provide a car worthy of his final chapters in F1.