Alonso signals he may stay in F1 beyond 2026

Two‑time champion Fernando Alonso, 44, said he could stay on past the 2026 season even though his Aston Martin contract ends this year and the team is struggling with its new Honda power unit. Speaking at the Historic Grand Prix in Monaco, he emphasized his love of racing and that walking away would be a tough call.

Why it matters:

Alonso is Aston Martin’s marquee driver, and his decision will shape the team’s brand and sponsor pull as it invests heavily in a works Honda partnership for 2026. With a fresh regulation era on the horizon, keeping a veteran who can develop the car could be a decisive factor.

The details:

• Out of contract after 2026; no extension announced.
• 2023 debut yielded eight podiums and a fourth‑place championship finish – his best result since 2013.
• Best results this stint: fifth at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP and the 2025 Hungarian GP.
• 2026 car, built around a new Honda power unit, has been slow and stuck near the back of the grid.
• Alonso welcomed his first child, son Leonard, in early 2026.
• Aston Martin has poured over $300 million into its F1 program since 2021, hiring Adrian Newey and making Honda a works partner.

What's next:

If Aston Martin can lift the car’s pace, Alonso could sign on for another year, giving the team valuable driver feedback as the package matures. Continued under‑performance would likely trigger a driver reshuffle for 2027, with the Spaniard either hunting a more competitive seat or opting for a final farewell on his own terms.