Alonso: I will continue to race, but perhaps not in Formula 1.

      Fernando Alonso expresses confidence in continuing to race beyond 2026, although he acknowledges that his future in Formula 1 is still uncertain. Amid ongoing rumors about a potential return to Alpine, Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack conveyed on Thursday that he expects Alonso to remain with the team.

      "Looking back a season or two, we clearly stated he would stay," Krack noted. "I believe Fernando has decided to make his choice during the summer break, and we are satisfied with the drivers. They are dedicated to us, and we must recognize their management of this situation. Thus, I am optimistic that we will keep working together."

      The 44-year-old Alonso made it clear that the final decision rests with him. "I don’t need Mike to tell me I'm fast; I feel it on every lap I drive and have always felt that way," he stated. "I will continue racing because I feel quick and inspired. I enjoy what I do, and I’m not about to stop now. Whether I will race in Formula 1 is another matter."

      The Spaniard anticipates making his decision around the summer break. "After the summer, there’s Zandvoort, Monza... I think I’ll decide around that time what my plans are for next year."

      He reaffirmed his genuine commitment to Aston Martin despite the team's challenging season. "I feel a sense of obligation to the team. Since 2023, we’ve made progress and rebuilt the project. My aim is still to become world champion with Aston Martin. The only question is whether I can achieve that behind the wheel."

      Alonso dismissed the idea that the recent rumors about Alpine have any significance. "I don’t want to pay attention to rumors. We've been treated poorly by outsiders. It's expected since we’re not performing well at the moment and are experiencing a tough phase. And as we approach the summer break, there are always speculations."

      He also defended both Aston Martin and Honda as they pursue upgrades to improve the team's competitiveness. "We’re an easy target because we’re at the back, and jokes on social media can sometimes be hurtful. We’re not happy with our current standing, but we are diligent workers. Honda is also putting in significant effort."

      Krack reiterated Aston Martin's commitment to its development strategy under Adrian Newey. "We always strive to reduce deadlines as much as we can, and we’ll have it ready as soon as possible," he stated. "As I mentioned in Spain, we have a leader who has decided to go this route. When your team makes such a decision and commits, you must follow through."

      Honda is also set to unveil a new power unit later this season. "We are looking to introduce a new engine around the summer; we’ll see if it’s before or after the break," said Honda's chief race engineer Shintaro Orihara. "There are no other plans for this year. We are working diligently to make a significant advancement."