Alonso gives latest verdict on when he may quit Formula 1

The two-time world champion made his debut as far back as 2001 with Minardi, before spending a year on the sidelines and then launching his rise with Renault, where he claimed his two titles and, above all, brought an end to the early-2000s dominance of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.

The Spaniard, fully aware he is nearing the end of his long and decorated Formula 1 career, had pinned his hopes on the new regulations - and above all on Adrian Newey - to give him one final shot in a competitive car, allowing him to fight for a third title and put the perfect finishing touch on a career filled with success, but also marked by its fair share of misfortune.

The AMR26, however, has so far fallen well short of expectations, plagued by major reliability and performance issues that have left Alonso and Stroll stuck at the back of the field and often failing to even see the chequered flag. Speaking at the Classic Monaco Grand Prix, Alonso said he still feels competitive, motivated and fully in love with racing, insisting the moment to retire has not yet arrived.

Nelson Piquet Jr. believes the Brit no longer shows the same hunger for Formula 1, pointing instead to Alonso as the benchmark for sustained motivation and drive. Speaking to Soy Motor, Piquet praised Alonso’s pace and relentless mindset, highlighting how the Spaniard continues to display the same level of determination and hunger he had two decades ago, something he described as deeply admirable.

In contrast, he suggested Hamilton no longer appears to carry that same level of passion and intensity, noting how Alonso - despite being older - still shows more fire and commitment than many drivers of a younger generation.