Fernando Alonso has indicated he is not ready to walk away from Formula 1, revealing he hopes to race beyond the end of the 2026 season.
The Aston Martin driver turns 45 this year and remains the oldest competitor on the current grid.
His present deal expires at the conclusion of the campaign, with previous comments suggesting he would decide his future once he had assessed both his motivation and the team’s competitiveness.
Now, Alonso has offered his strongest suggestion yet that retirement is not close.
Speaking at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the Spaniard said his passion for racing remains as strong as ever.
“I love what I do. I love racing,” Alonso said.
“I did my first race when I was three years [old], and I am 44, so 41 years of my life I have been behind a steering wheel.
“So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be very hard decision and difficult to accept.
“The time will tell. I will feel it. 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.”
Alonso’s Formula 1 story so far
Alonso first entered Formula 1 with Minardi in 2001 before rising to the top of the sport with Renault.
He famously stopped Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s run of dominance by securing back-to-back world titles in 2005 and 2006.
Although later spells with McLaren, Ferrari and Alpine did not deliver another crown, Alonso has remained one of the most highly rated drivers of his generation.
Aston Martin had hoped the sweeping 2026 rules overhaul would move the team towards the front.
The arrival of Adrian Newey and a new works Honda engine deal added to expectations that Alonso could mount one final challenge.
Instead, the campaign has begun in disappointing fashion.
Those struggles have left Aston Martin near the back of the field alongside new entrant Cadillac.
Even so, Alonso’s latest remarks show his competitive edge remains intact, with no immediate sign that he is preparing to end his Formula 1 career.
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