Fernando Alonso has finally broken his silence. After months of speculation, the Spaniard confirmed he will remain in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. The long-awaited announcement came on Tuesday afternoon, ending the 'will-he-won't-he' saga that had dominated the summer break.
In a social media video posted by the Silverstone-based team, Alonso initially teased fans. “I have decided to retire from Formula 1,” he said, before a pause, adding: “But not yet.” The moment quickly became a talking point in the paddock, underlining that his racing fire still burns bright.
The decision means Alonso will contest a 24th season in F1, past his 46th birthday. He explained his rationale to the BBC. “First, this is my life. I have this in my blood and I keep racing and I keep enjoying and this is a way of life, in a way,” said Alonso. “Probably for me the biggest, or the clearest thing to keep racing is I still feel self-confidence that I have something extra. 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. So let’s have another go.”
2026 has been tough for Alonso and Aston Martin. Car and power unit problems have left them rooted to the foot of the grid. But the two-time World Champion revealed that some results this season have reinforced his self-belief. “I feel that I’m OK. Or, I’m faster than them,” he said. “So when I get changed and I go back home, even if I’m P18, in a way I feel some satisfaction and pride inside, even if it should not be the case because we are not competitive.”
Alonso added that he cannot stop while he still believes he is faster than others. “How will I be in the living room, watching TV, thinking that I can do better? That will be my feeling now. When that changes, if I see that I lost abilities, I lost speed, I lost reflexes, I lost something, then I will be happy to watch from my living room the race. At the moment, I feel it was not the time because I’m better than that guy. I’m better than that other guy. I will think like that. And I cannot stop racing if I still think like that,” he stated.
Alonso's decision also reaffirms Aston Martin's commitment to an experienced driver lineup. The British team confirmed that Alonso and Lance Stroll will continue as teammates for a fifth season. With that, speculation over the second seat is officially put to rest.
For F1 fans, Alonso's decision adds intrigue. At an age when many drivers hang up their helmets, he still displays sharp speed and racing instinct. Next season, he will again battle the young generation hungry for success. But as long as Alonso feels “as fast as anybody”, he will remain a threat on track.
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