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 voiced growing frustration with the sport’s upcoming 2026 rule package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points only twice this season.
With his current contract set to expire at the end of the year, Alonso indicated that the forthcoming 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. Speaking at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday, Alonso explained, “It’s a matter of understanding whether next year’s rules will have an impact on the racing and on the driving side of things.” He went on to describe the present cars as “not the best cars to drive and to enjoy,” but expressed cautious optimism that the 2026 regulations could represent a step in the right direction. “At the same time, I need to think about what the best programme for next year is and sit with the team,” he said. “Whether I’m behind the wheel or in another role where I can help the most, that will be the most important thing to decide together.” Alonso’s comments were quickly followed by remarks from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who appeared to signal a willingness to accelerate Honda’s development programme so the Japanese engine supplier can close the gap to its rivals.
Ben Sulayem told reporters, “There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave—a great champion—just because of the circumstances. He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not forced out by poor performance.” He added that he had met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and would pursue changes to help the team and driver, describing the situation as “unacceptable.” The president’s intervention, while unusual, seems to be part of a broader effort by the FIA to work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee, which includes all five manufacturers, to support Honda.
One concrete proposal under discussion is a revision of the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) rules, which currently focus mainly on internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) upgrades. By expanding ADUO to cover hybrid and electric components, Honda could receive additional development tokens beyond the two it has already used this season. The team also secured an extra £14 million development budget for 2027, giving it more resources to chase performance.
Ben Sulayem recounted a private conversation with Alonso in his home country, saying, “I saw him very sad and told him it’s not acceptable that he comes to his own country and, after being a two‑time world champion, ends up at the back of the grid.” He claimed the FIA had already taken legal steps in May to allow the team to improve the engine, and he invited Alonso to voice exactly what he needed to see better results. The president emphasized that the sport’s regulators are open to adjustments when they serve the overall health of Formula 1. Red Bull’s engine, which the FIA rated as the best earlier this year, is still widely regarded as the benchmark, though many in the paddock consider Mercedes to be the gold standard. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies have expressed willingness to discuss rule tweaks that could help Honda catch up.
Wolff noted, “The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and it was unlocked for Honda. They need more.” Mekies added that the sport regularly revisits regulations to ensure fairness, pointing out that an earlier amendment to ADUO was passed precisely to aid teams lagging behind.
He said, “We cannot agree on everything, but when a situation needs fixing, we find solutions. I’m sure we will sit down soon to discuss the future of ADUO and address its shortcomings.” It is still unclear whether Alonso’s remarks were primarily a push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or if they stem from genuine disappointment with the current generation of F1 cars. The truth may lie somewhere in between. Alonso first entered Formula 1 in 2001, racing in the era of roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines—a stark contrast to today’s hybrid turbocharged power units.
The dramatic shift in technology, combined with Aston Martin’s lack of competitiveness, has likely contributed to his unease. The question now is how long the 45‑year‑old wants to continue racing if he cannot consistently challenge for podiums. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the dilemma: “It’s not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability and only ever making it to Q1.
The engine underperforms, and the car does not help either. The Hungary aero upgrade gave a lift, but the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations.
Fernando isn’t enjoying it, and you have to ask whether it’s worth the risk week in, week out.” Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill back in 1975. He became a father earlier this year and hinted that he still harbours ambitions beyond Formula 1, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer Mike Krack reiterated the team’s desire to keep the Spaniard on board, stating, “We have always been clear that the team wants to continue. We respect Fernando’s thoughts and the time he needs to decide.
We are confident we can find a solution that works for everyone.” The broader driver market offers little immediate relief for Aston Martin. Most of the 2027 grid is already set: Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull, and the Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have confirmed their stays. Only a few seats remain open at Red Bull’s second car, Racing Bulls, Haas, and the new Audi entry, meaning Aston Martin cannot simply replace Alonso with another high‑profile driver if he chooses to step away.
Krack emphasized this point, saying, “I will not discuss any ‘Plan B’. We hope Fernando continues. He 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 think about that scenario.” As the season progresses, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which kicks 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 via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. The outcome of these races, combined with the ongoing dialogue between Alonso, Aston Martin, Honda, and the FIA, will shape the narrative of whether Formula 1’s rulebook will be tweaked to keep one of its most celebrated champions on the grid for as long as he wishes.