Is 2026 Fernando Alonso’s final season with Formula 1?

The 2026 season marks Fernando Alonso’s 23rd season in Formula 1. After so many years, Alonso has become a mainstay in the sport. However, the veteran’s contract ends at the end of this season. After many years in Formula 1, this season may be the beginning of the end.

Just how likely is it that Alonso would leave? What would be the reasoning, and what would he do next? We break it down below.

The move to Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso joined Aston Martin in 2023 to much surprise, after a multi-year contract with Alpine. The team was rebranding with new ownership on board, and Alonso was labelled the perfect high-profile driver to guide Aston Martin into its new era.

Alonso had a very strong debut with the team, winning eight podiums, scoring 206 points, and achieving fourth overall in the Driver’s Championship. However, following 2023, the team has not been able to replicate similar success. Aston Martin and Alonso have both performed progressively worse in recent years. As a driver nearing the end of his career, this is certainly not how Alonso would have envisioned it closing out. Formula 1 is perhaps the most cutthroat sport in the world. Disappointing results could mean an abrupt entry into retirement despite past success.

The 2026 season so far

The start of the season has been far from perfect for Fernando Alonso and the Aston Martin Formula One Team. Aston Martin firmly emerged from preseason testing as the least prepared team due to an abundance of technical issues. These issues have continued to plague them through the first few races. Neither Alonso nor his teammate Lance Stroll, have scored points thus far, and simply finishing a race has been a challenge.

Aston Martin has been busy with personnel changes during the break. Former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey was announced as team principal in November, but was recently moved into a technical role. Former Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley is expected to fill this role in the coming weeks.

However, the team continues to experience technical deficiencies, with no big improvements expected at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend. If Aston Martin continues to struggle, it’s hard to imagine Alonso would want to continue fighting from the bottom at this stage in his career.

As the season progresses, Aston Martin’s success could play a big role in Alonso’s future with Formula 1. If the team continues to underperform, it will also be harder to fill Alonso’s seat with a driver of similar skill.

Fernando Alonso’s future after F1

Fernando Alonso has been open about how much he loves racing, in and out of Formula 1. In the past, Alonso has raced in the IndyCar series and the off-road Dakar Rally. After so many years of experience in the driver’s seat, Alonso would be an asset to every other area of motorsport. Moreover, another racing stint outside of F1 is a definite possibility.

Alonso has been very clear about wanting to keep racing as long as possible. If his body continues to hold up, we should expect to see him racing in some capacity next year. However, in the longer-term future, Alonso’s experience in F1 could also be beneficial in testing, development, or even team management. Aston Martin has a great relationship with Alonso, and he has been their most consistent driver for several years. If unable to race, a non-driver position with Aston Martin could be a great use of his expertise and allow him to stay in the racing world.

Is this Alonso’s last season?

Although it’s hard to imagine a future where Alonso isn’t a Formula 1 driver, Alonso has had a storybook career. It’s hard to think of a Formula 1 experience he hasn’t had. If he does choose to leave at the end of 2026, he will be capping off a very complete career and will forever be thought of as one of the greats.