Fernando Alonso issues retirement update ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Aston Martin driver and F1 veteran Fernando Alonso has spoken out about his future just days before the Miami Grand Prix.

Alonso, who made his F1 debut with Minardi in 2001, has endured a tough start to the 2026 campaign, with the Spaniard failing to finish in Australia and China before coming home 18th last time out in Japan, leaving him 21st in the drivers’ standings on zero points.

Aston Martin have experienced serious technical difficulties in the early stages of the season, with severe vibration problems raising fears that drivers – Alonso and Lance Stroll – could suffer permanent nerve damage.

Alonso, who penned a multi-year deal with the British team in 2024, has even complained of losing feeling in his hands and feet as a result of the issue.

And, given Alonso turns 45 in July, there have been suggestions that the former two-time world champion may call time on his career after this season – although, based on his comments over the weekend, this does not appear to be the case after all.

Fernando Alonso has struggled in 2026 (Credit:Getty)

When asked if he remains motivated to continue despite the less-than-ideal start to 2026, Alonso said:

“I love what I do. I love racing.

“I did my first race when I was three years old, and I am 44, so for 41 years of my life I have been behind a steering wheel. So the moment I have to stop racing, it will be a very hard decision and difficult to accept.

“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.”

F1 returns this weekend after a five-week break following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, with the fourth race of the campaign set to take place in Miami on May 3.

Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell currently lead the standings after three races, while Ferrari pairing Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sit third and fourth, with McLaren team-mates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri rounding out the top six.