Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain after the two‑time world champion hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin will not be made any time soon. The Spaniard has grown increasingly frustrated with the sport's 2026 regulatory package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points in only two races this season. With his current contract expiring at the end of the year, Alonso indicated that the upcoming changes to the power‑unit formula—particularly the reduction of electric boost from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent—will heavily influence his next move.
"We need to understand whether next year’s rule changes will have a real impact on the racing and on the driving experience," Alonso said at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday. "The cars we have now, as I have repeated many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive. I hope the 2026 regulations represent a step in the right direction.
At the same time, I have to consider what the best programme for next year looks like and discuss it with the team. Whether I stay behind the wheel or take on a different role, the priority will be to contribute where I can be most useful, and that decision must be made together." A day after his remarks, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to signal a willingness to accelerate Honda's engine development in order to close the performance gap.
"There is no way we can let Fernando leave simply because the car is not delivering," Sulayem told reporters. "Alonso is a great champion and he should be able to decide to retire on his own terms, not because circumstances force his hand. I share his concerns about the car's lack of pace.
I met with Lawrence Stroll on Thursday and we will discuss possible changes to give him a better chance. It is simply unacceptable for a driver of his calibre to be stuck at the back." While Sulayem's comments could be read as a personal intervention, Sky Sports F1 noted that the FIA president is likely working with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee, which includes all five engine manufacturers, to explore ways to support Honda.
One possible avenue is to revise the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations so that they are not limited solely to internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) power improvements. Honda has already used one of its two allotted upgrades for 2024, still has at least two upgrades earmarked for 2027, and received an extra £14 million in development funding.
Sulayem added, "I spoke with Fernando and could see how upset he was. I told him we had taken steps earlier this year to give the team more flexibility with the engine, and I asked him directly what he needs from us to improve results.
He said he wants a clear plan, and I promised to bring that to Lawrence Stroll. We are here to support the team and the driver." Red Bull was judged by the FIA earlier this season to have the strongest power unit, although many in the paddock still consider Mercedes the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull technical chief Laurent Mekies have expressed openness to adjustments that could help Honda catch up. Wolff explained, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and Honda needs more of it.
The conversation the president had with Alonso is reasonable – we want all top constructors to be competitive. Sometimes regulations need fine‑tuning for the health of the sport." Mekies echoed that sentiment, noting that the ADUO rules were already tweaked earlier in the year to aid teams that were lagging behind. "We cannot agree on everything, but as stakeholders we look for solutions when a situation threatens the sport's balance. I am confident we will sit down soon to discuss the future of ADUO and address its shortcomings." It is still unclear whether Alonso's comments were primarily a push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of disappointment with the current generation of F1 cars.
The reality is likely a blend of both. Alonso made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, when the grid roared with naturally aspirated V10 engines—a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units. The shift in technology, combined with Aston Martin's struggles to compete at the front, has left the Spaniard questioning how much longer he can stay in a sport where he is no longer fighting for podiums.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the dilemma: "It's not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability and knowing you might only make it out of Q1. The engine is underperforming, and the car's aerodynamics are not helping either. The Hungarian aero upgrade gave a small lift, but the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations. Fernando isn’t enjoying it, and at some point you have to ask whether it’s worth the risk week after week." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to race in Formula 1 at that age was Graham Hill in 1975.
Earlier this year, the Spaniard became a father and hinted that he still harbours ambitions beyond F1, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack said the team respects Alonso’s decision-making process and hopes to find a solution that works for everyone.
"We have always been clear that we want to continue with Fernando. We need to respect the time he wants to take, and we are confident we can reach a good outcome. He needs to make up his mind, and then we can move forward," Krack told reporters in Madrid.
The driver market for 2027 is already shaping up. Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull, and the Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have confirmed their stays.
Only a handful of seats remain open, including the second Red Bull seat, the Haas lineup, and the upcoming Audi entry. This means Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso with a proven front‑running driver should he decide to step away.
Krack was emphatic that the team does not have a "Plan B" in mind. "Fernando is vital for our team, for Formula 1, and for motorsport as a whole.
It would be a tragedy to lose him, and I do not want to entertain that scenario," he said. As the season progresses, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will kick off a triple‑header of races from 24‑26 September, with the Baku race scheduled for Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, streaming via NOW with a flexible, cancel‑anytime subscription. The broader question remains: will the sport’s governing bodies and engine manufacturers adapt the regulations quickly enough to give Alonso a competitive car and keep one of its most celebrated champions on the grid, or will the Spaniard decide that it is time to hang up his helmet and pursue new challenges elsewhere?