Fernando Alonso will only consider calling time on his Formula One career once he stops feeling as motivated as he currently does.

The two-time world champion, who moved to Aston Martin from Alpine in 2023, is the oldest driver on the F1 grid at 43.

Alonso will be aged 45 when his existing contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season.

However, the Spaniard has not ruled out prolonging his career – with Aston Martin or another team – beyond then.

Asked if he can see himself continuing beyond his 40s, Alonso told Motorsport Week: "Not at 50, but I don't know.

"That's why we kept open the possibility as well. I wanted to race this year for sure and next year for sure because of the change of regulations.

"I also wanted to experience the 2026 rules and Honda coming to the team. Then the surprise that Adrian [Newey] was joining the team a few months after that. 

"There were things that were appealing last year when we sat together and negotiated the contract. 

"But after 2026, I don't know. I will go season by season. I will see how I feel, how motivated I am."

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Alonso's future has been called into question amid links between Max Verstappen and Aston Martin.

And the 2005 and 2006 world champion is happy to take his own future on a year-by-year basis.

"Now, I am very motivated, but I cannot guarantee that for three or four years and compromise the team," he said.

"So we said let's sign until the end of 2026, and then from then on, I think I have an incredible relationship with Lawrence [Stroll] and with Lance."

"We can sit and talk honestly between all of us and check what is best for the team."

Alonso's F1 career spans back to 2001 and he has not ruled out staying involved in the sport in another capacity when he has finished racing.

"I will always be in a position to help the team with whatever they need," he said.

"If it's behind the wheel, I will extend the contract if they think that way and I feel motivated. 

"If it's in another position, or I don't feel fast enough, I will be the first one to raise my hand."