Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso says he remains undecided on whether the upcoming Formula 1 season will be his last, insisting his focus is on enjoying the campaign as the sport enters a new era.

Speaking to Reuters Television at Aston Martin’s livery launch in Saudi Arabia ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the 44-year-old Spaniard — the oldest driver on the grid — said his motivation remains undimmed despite having made a record 425 race starts.

Formula 1 begins a new engine cycle this season, with Aston Martin embarking on a fresh chapter as a works team following Honda’s arrival as power unit supplier in place of Mercedes. The campaign gets underway in Australia on March 8.

The AMR26 also marks the Silverstone-based team’s first car under the influence of legendary designer Adrian Newey, alongside technical director Enrico Cardile, formerly of Ferrari.

“This first year of the regulations will bring a lot of action and a lot of feedback from the driver,” Alonso said. “I think it’s going to be a very interesting season from a driver’s point of view.

“I feel very proud to be part of this organisation. I don’t know if it’s going to be the last season, but my plan is to enjoy every second. If I decide to do one more, I’ll be happy as well. I’ll take it race by race.”

Alonso last won a grand prix in 2013 with Ferrari, having secured his two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006. Despite his longevity, he insists his commitment remains total.

“I feel very motivated and very focused on the new system,” he said. “But Formula 1 is a dynamic sport — it changes every week.

“There’s not just the racing side. There are many marketing events and off-track commitments, and those things can drain your energy over the season.”

Alonso added that the effectiveness of the new regulations — particularly how well cars can follow and race closely — will influence his long-term future, including any decision about competing beyond 2026.

“Let’s see how these regulations work, how much action we get on track,” he said. “Those things will play a part in my decision for 2027.”

Aston Martin finished seventh in the constructors’ championship last season and have already faced a disrupted start, with the new car arriving late for a recent shakedown in Barcelona. Alonso acknowledged the team could endure a difficult opening to the 24-race calendar but expects stronger performances later in the year.

“I think the beginning could be challenging,” he admitted. “But hopefully the second half of the season will be much stronger, with some special races.

“Being in the top five of the constructors’ championship has to be the target.”