Fernando Alonso is hopeful the 2026 season will not be his last in Formula One, as he approaches the end of his contract with Aston Martin.

Two-time world champion Alonso made his first F1 start at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix and boasts 32 wins in 428 starts across his stellar 25-year career.

The 44-year-old has endured a difficult start to 2026, though, as issues with Aston Martin's chassis and their new Honda engines have caused reliability issues.

Both Alonso and his team-mate Lance Stroll have suffered from extreme discomfort caused by their cars vibrating, which team principal Adrian Newey has blamed on problems with their wind tunnel.

Alonso had previously said having an uncompetitive car in 2026 would make it harder for him to retire, though his deal with Aston Martin expires at the end of the year.

And, speaking at the Monaco historic grand prix at the weekend, he outlined his desire to remain in F1 in clearer terms.   

"I love what I do. I love racing. 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," he said.

"So, at the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept.

The first three rounds, captured through our lens. pic.twitter.com/jtfDGJdrhu

— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) April 19, 2026

"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 it's not the last season."

The F1 season resumes with this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, with Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell leading the standings after the first three races.

Aston Martin are bottom of the constructors' standings and are one of two pointless teams along with Cadillac, as Alonso's 18th-placed finish in Japan last time out is their only classification this year.