Fernando Alonso backed to extend F1 career despite Aston Martin struggles

Fernando Alonso retains firm support from Formula 1 fans despite his troubled start to 2026, with over a third voting that he should continue his career beyond this season.

In a recent RacingNews365 poll, 37.5% of fans believe the two-time world champion should keep searching for F1 success, whilst just 29.8% think 2026 should be his last hurrah. A further 32.7% are undecided, preferring to wait and see if Aston Martin can turn their fortunes around.

The poll comes as the 44-year-old Spaniard sits in 21st place without a single championship point after three races, having suffered two DNFs amid Aston Martin's disastrous start to the season.

Reliability woes stemming from the team's new Honda partnership have plagued the AMR26, with vibration issues limiting running during pre-season and throughout the opening races. 

The Silverstone-based outfit currently occupies last place in the Constructors' Championship alongside Cadillac.

Alonso has indicated he would prefer to delay any retirement decision until September, citing the potential for "huge performance swings" under the new regulations. 

"I need to see how I feel, how motivated I am," he said, though he acknowledged team pressures might force an earlier call.

With Adrian Newey now at the helm as team principal and lead designer, the fan sentiment suggests patience, hope remains that the legendary engineer can unlock the AMR26's potential as the season progresses.