Fernando Alonso will continue racing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin for at least one more year, with the two-time world champion saying he still believes he has the speed to compete at the highest level.
The 45-year-old Spaniard had been considering his future throughout the season but decided to remain with Aston Martin despite the team’s struggles and his criticism of the sport’s new hybrid regulations introduced this year.
Speaking to BBC, Alonso said his passion for racing and belief in his ability were key factors behind his decision.
“First, this is my life,” Alonso said. “I have this in my blood and I keep racing and I keep enjoying and this is a way of life, in a way.”
He added: “Probably for me the biggest, or the clearest thing to keep racing is I still feel self-confidence that I have something extra.”
Alonso said he would find it difficult to step away from driving while he still believes he can perform at a high level.
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“When I think about stepping down or taking a different role in the team or not driving the car or whatever, in a way I feel it should not be like that because I still feel as fast as anybody,” he said. “So let’s have another go.”
Alonso backs himself
Aston Martin have struggled for competitiveness for much of the 2026 season, leaving Alonso with limited opportunities to demonstrate his pace.
He finished ninth at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he held off faster Alpine and Racing Bulls cars during the final stint.
Alonso, however, said results alone do not determine how he judges his own performance.
“When I jump in the car, in free practice, I will see some people braking late in a corner, locking up the front tyres here or there, making mistakes there,” he said.
“I feel that I’m OK. Or, I’m faster than them.”
The Spaniard said he would only consider ending his F1 career when he feels his speed, reflexes or ability have declined.
“At the moment, I feel it was not the time because I’m better than that guy. I’m better than that other guy,” Alonso said.
Newey influence
Another major factor in Alonso’s decision was Aston Martin’s technical project under Adrian Newey.
Newey joined the team as managing technical partner in March 2025, and Alonso said he did not want to leave after a difficult season in which the team had been affected by delays in developing its car.
“This team has all the ingredients to have success in the future,” Alonso said. “I didn’t feel that this was the moment to leave. It was the moment to keep on going.”
He added that Newey was “probably the biggest contributor” to his decision.
Aston Martin’s major update at the Hungarian Grand Prix improved the car’s performance, while Honda is also working to address problems with its new power unit.
Alonso said he remained confident in the team’s long-term prospects.
“In the future, I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but it will be a successful team, and I want to be part of it,” he said.
Alonso leaves door open beyond 2027
Alonso said his decision to race for another year was straightforward, but he also hinted that his F1 career could continue beyond 2027.
“Racing next year, it was my natural, final decision,” he said. “I will be racing in any car, even when I stop Formula 1, but F1 is still in my blood.”
“One more year made all the sense in the world for now.”
He added: “I see that it would not be only one year, but I don’t have any pressure to think about it.”
