Jun.26 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says he is certain to keep racing beyond 2026, but admits whether that is in Formula 1 remains undecided.
Amid persistent speculation linking the two-time world champion with a shock return to Alpine, Aston Martin boss Mike Krack indicated on Thursday he expects Alonso to stay.
“If you look back, a season or two ago, we clearly said he would stay,” Krack said.
“I think Fernando decided he’s going to make a decision during the summer break, and we’re happy with the drivers. They’re committed to us, and we also have to give them credit for how they’re handling this situation.
“So I have high hopes that we’ll continue working together.”
44-year-old Alonso, however, made clear the decision is still his to make.
“I don’t need Mike to tell me I’m fast, I feel it every lap I take on the track and I’ve always felt it,” he said.
“I’ll keep racing because I feel fast and motivated. I love what I do and I’m not going to stop now.
“Whether I compete in Formula 1 or not, that’s another story.”
The Spaniard expects to make his decision around the summer break. “After the summer there’s Zandvoort, Monza… I think around then I’ll decide what to do next year.”
Alonso insisted his commitment to Aston Martin remains genuine despite the team’s difficult season.
“I feel indebted to it. Since 2023, we’ve advanced and rebuilt the project. My goal remains to become world champion with Aston Martin.
“The only question is whether I’ll still be able to do it behind the wheel.”
He also rejected suggestions the recent Alpine rumours mean anything.
“I don’t want to hear rumours. We’ve been treated very badly by the outside world. That’s normal: we’re not delivering at the moment, we’re going through a rough patch.
“And when the summer break comes, there are always rumours.”
Alonso also defended both Aston Martin and Honda as they work on separate upgrades aimed at lifting the team back into contention.
“We’re an easy target because we’re at the back. And then there are jokes on social media. Sometimes they’re bordering on abusive.
“We’re not happy with our position, but we’re hard workers. Honda are hard workers.”
Krack confirmed Aston Martin remains committed to its development strategy under Adrian Newey.
“We always try to shorten the deadlines as much as possible, and we’ll have it ready as soon as it is,” he said.
“As I already mentioned in Spain, we have a leader who has made the decision to do it this way. If as a team you make a decision like this and you commit to it, you have to commit.”
Honda is also preparing a fresh power unit for later in the season.
“We plan to introduce a new engine around the summer, we’ll see if it’s before or after the break,” said Honda chief race engineer Shintaro Orihara.
“There are no other steps planned for this year. We are working hard to take a significant step.”