Alonso fires back at retirement talk: ‘I feel happy when I drive’

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At 44, Fernando Alonso is still gripping the wheel with the hunger of a rookie. And while whispers about retirement swirl louder with each passing season, F1’s elder statesman isn’t ready to fade into the background just yet.

Addressing his future during a nostalgic walk through the Historic Monaco Grand Prix paddock last weekend, the two-time world champion made one thing clear: the fire is still very much alive.

Despite a rocky start to 2026 with Aston Martin – hampered by significant performance issues and a troubled Honda power unit – Alonso isn’t letting results dictate his timeline.

"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.

That’s not just a career – it’s a lifetime addiction to speed. From his debut at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix to championship glory and beyond, Alonso’s journey has spanned generations of Formula 1 machinery and mindsets.

But stepping away? That’s a whole different battle.

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

"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 not the last season."

That’s vintage Alonso: stubbornly competitive, relentlessly self-aware, and unwilling to bow out unless the instinct says so.

Fighting from the back, eyes on the future

The reality check? Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll currently sit at the foot of the standings –21st and 22nd – far from where they expected to be.

Still, Formula 1 is nothing if not unpredictable. After an unusual five-week pause following the cancellations of races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the circus now heads stateside for the Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium.

Read also: ‘We are one team’ – Alonso backs Honda despite familiar struggles

And if Alonso has his way, this chapter isn’t the closing act – t’s just another twist in a career that refuses to slow down.

One thing is certain: as long as he “feels competitive,” don’t expect Alonso to quietly exit stage left. In fact, he might just be gearing up for another encore.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.