With retirement whispers growing louder and new fatherhood arriving, Alonso reveals his competitive fire still burns, hinting at a future beyond the cockpit.
Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the current Formula 1 grid, and that fact inevitably fuels speculation about when he might walk away from the sport — particularly given Aston Martin's recent struggles to provide him with a car capable of competing for titles, perhaps for the last time.
Before the 2026 season began, the Aston Martin project was considered one of the genuine contenders for podiums and victories, buoyed largely by the arrival of Adrian Newey — widely regarded as the greatest car designer in Formula 1 history and the man behind championship-winning machines for drivers from Ayrton Senna to Max Verstappen.
Reality, however, hit hard. Aston Martin finds itself well adrift of the front runners, hampered by ongoing issues with its Honda power unit. With what many consider his final genuine chance at a title slipping away, speculation has grown that Alonso's retirement could come sooner than expected.
Speaking to Diario AS at a public event, the two-time world champion addressed the subject directly: "I think time will tell — I'll feel it when the moment comes. But right now, I don't feel like that moment has arrived. I feel competitive.
"I feel motivated and I feel happy when I'm driving, so I hope this isn't my last season. I feel good, I'm enjoying the weekend. A month ago I became a father, and now my life is busier than it used to be," he said.
How long is Fernando Alonso's contract with Aston Martin?
Alonso's multi-year deal runs at least through the 2026 season, which marks the beginning of Aston Martin's new chapter with Honda as a power unit partner — and will serve as a natural point for the Spaniard to assess whether he wishes to continue in the sport, depending largely on the team's competitiveness.
Through official channels, Aston Martin has confirmed Alonso's extended commitment to the team. In a public statement, the Silverstone-based outfit made clear that the double world champion is going nowhere, reaffirming its faith in his role within the project.
Alonso is therefore set to remain tied to Aston Martin for several more years — and not only in Formula 1. The Spaniard intends to help the team pursue success in other categories and events, including Le Mans. A future role as a sporting director or advisor has not been ruled out either.