Fernando Alonso has stated the performance of the 2026 Aston Martin car will be “very important” in his decision to remain in the sport.
The Spaniard is already confirmed on next year's grid after penning a multi-year extension with Aston Martin last season.
Alonso will turn 44 in the coming weeks as he continues to set the record for the most races entered in F1 history.
An F1 career extending to a driver's mid-40s is rare in the modern era of F1, however Alonso has continued to show reliable speed and remains a valuable asset to Aston Martin.
Next year's cars are being built under a fresh set of technical regulations - presenting Alonso an opportunity for late-career success.
When asked if the performance of the car will be a decisive factor when it comes to his future, Alonso told media including RacingNews365: “It will be a very important one, yes.
“Not the final one. I think I need to see how next year starts and how motivated I am.
“Every year, there is a different mood into the season.
“There is a different feeling on how you perform, how competitive you feel yourself, how motivated you are to keep your fitness at the high level - personal situation, family situation - all these things play a role in some important decisions in life.”
Knowing that his decision to step away from a race seat will likely mark the final time he drives in F1, Alonso highlighted he will consider the situation very carefully.
“I know that a very important decision in life will come for me in the near future when I stop racing,” he said.
“I did my first race in go-kart at the age of three. I’m 43. So, for 40 years, I have had a steering wheel in my hands, and I know that one day I will have to stop.
“And that’s an important decision that I will think carefully.
“I did stop Formula 1 already once in 2018, and I came back because I needed it. So, the next one that I take, it has to be 100% sure.”
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