Fernando Alonso’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain after the two‑time champion hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin will not be reached any time soon. The Spaniard has expressed growing frustration with the sport’s 2026 rule package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points only twice during the current campaign. Alonso, now 45, is racing under a contract that expires at the end of the season.
He told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix that the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically the reduction of the electric‑motor contribution from roughly 50 % to 42 % – will heavily influence his next move. "It’s a matter of understanding whether next year’s regulations will have an impact on the racing and on the driving side of things," he said.
"The cars we have now, as I have said many times, are not the best to drive or to enjoy. Next year there is a step in the right direction, hopefully." He added that he must weigh the best programme for the 2026 season with the team, deciding whether to stay behind the wheel or assume a different role where he can contribute most effectively. "That will be the most important thing to decide together," Alonso explained.
The day after his comments, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to signal a willingness to accelerate Honda’s engine development in an effort to close the gap with the leading power‑unit manufacturers. In a series of remarks that seemed almost personal, Ben Sulayem said, "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave – Alonso, a great champion – just because of the circumstances. That is not the way to end a career.
He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not forced out by poor performance." He continued, "I share the concerns. The car is not performing.
I met with Lawrence Stroll on Thursday and we will discuss changes and try to convince him to alter his stance. It is not acceptable." While these statements could be read as a direct intervention, Sky Sports F1 noted that the FIA president is likely working with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – a body that includes all five engine manufacturers – to devise ways to help Honda. One possible avenue is revising the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations so they are not limited to internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) upgrades alone. Honda has already used one of its two allotted engine upgrade slots for 2024 and has at least two more opportunities for 2027, backed by an extra £14 million development budget.
Ben Sulayem said he would speak directly with the Honda boss, acknowledging the disappointment of seeing a world champion struggle on home soil. "I told him I saw he was very sad and that it is not acceptable for a two‑time champion to be at the back of the pack," the president recalled. He added, "We made a legal move in May to allow the team to improve the engine, and I asked Fernando what he wants us to do to boost the results. Suddenly everything changed, and I had a meeting with Lawrence Stroll.
We are here to support." Red Bull was judged earlier this year by the FIA to have the best power‑unit, although many in the paddock still view Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies have expressed openness to rule tweaks that could help Honda catch up. Wolff said, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism and it was unlocked for Honda; they need more." Mekies echoed the sentiment, noting that the sport must stay flexible with its regulations.
"There was a first change to the ADUO rules earlier this year precisely to help those who were far behind. All the teams voted for that, for the benefit of the sport. We may not agree on everything, but as stakeholders we find solutions when a situation needs fixing. I am sure we will sit down and discuss the future of ADUO, addressing its shortfalls." It is difficult to determine whether Alonso’s remarks were a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or simply a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current cars.
Likely it is a mixture of both. The Spaniard made his F1 debut in 2001, an era of roaring naturally aspirated V10s, a stark contrast to today’s hybrid turbo era.
Aston Martin’s lack of competitiveness is undeniably a factor in Alonso’s thinking, raising the broader question of how long he wishes to continue racing if he cannot contend for podiums. Sky Sports F1’s Bernie Collins summed it up: "It’s not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability and qualifying only in Q1.
The engine underperforms, but the chassis does too. The Hungary aero upgrade gave some lift, and the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations.
Fernando isn’t enjoying it, and at some point you ask whether it’s worth the risk week after week." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to race in F1 at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. He became a father earlier this year and hinted that he still harbours ambitions beyond Formula 1, mentioning a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack said in Madrid, "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 for everyone.
He needs to make up his mind and then we move on." The 2027 grid is largely set, with Max Verstappen renewing his Red Bull contract and Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon confirming their seats. Only the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the new Audi entry remain undecided, meaning Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he retire.
Krack added, "I will not discuss any Plan B. We very much hope Fernando stays. He is vital for our team, for Formula 1 and for motorsport in general. It would be a tragedy to lose him, and I do not want to think about that scenario." As the season heads into a triple‑header weekend in Azerbaijan, the discussion around rule changes, engine development and Alonso’s future continues to dominate headlines.
The outcome will shape not only the career of one of the sport’s most celebrated drivers but also the competitive balance of Formula 1 as it moves toward the 2026 regulatory era.