'I still feel as fast as anybody' - Alonso on why he's staying in F1

Fernando Alonso made his Formula 1 debut at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, before eight current F1 drivers were born

Fernando Alonso has committed to staying in Formula 1 with Aston Martin for at least one more year - and says the biggest single reason for his decision is because he "still feels fast".

The 45-year-old Spaniard has been weighing up his future all year. And while, like Max Verstappen, he has been outspoken in his criticism of the new hybrid engines introduced in 2026, his love for the sport has won out.

"First, this is my life," Alonso told BBC Sport in his only English language interview about his decision, which was announced on Tuesday. , external

"I have this in my blood and I keep racing and I keep enjoying and this is a way of life, in a way.

"Probably for me the biggest, or the clearest thing to keep racing is I still feel self-confidence that I have something extra.

"And when I think about stepping down or taking a different role in the team or not driving the car or whatever, in a way I feel it should not be like that because I still feel as fast as anybody. So let's have another go."

His own personal performance was only one factor at play in Alonso's decision, he explained in an extensive and open conversation.