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 2026 rule package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points in only two races this year. With his current contract expiring at the end of the season, Alonso said the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically the reduction of electric boost from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent – will be a key factor in his next move. Speaking at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday, Alonso explained, "It’s essential to understand whether next year’s regulations will affect the racing and the driving experience in a meaningful way.
The cars we have now, as I’ve said many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive. I hope the changes for 2026 represent a step in the right direction." He added that he must weigh the best possible programme for the upcoming season, whether that means staying behind the wheel or taking on a different role within the team. "The most important thing will be a decision we make together," he said. The day after his comments, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene, indicating a desire to speed up Honda’s engine development so the Japanese manufacturer can close the gap to its rivals.
In a series of remarks that seemed to blur the line between regulator and team supporter, Ben Sulayem said, "We cannot let Fernando leave simply because of the current circumstances. A champion of his stature should be able to stay as long as he wishes, not forced out by performance issues." He claimed to have met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and promised to discuss possible changes that could improve the car’s competitiveness. While the president’s statements may look like a personal appeal, Sky Sports F1 reported that the FIA intends to work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five engine manufacturers – to help Honda.
One concrete proposal under discussion is a revision of the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) rules. At present, ADUO allowances focus mainly on internal‑combustion‑engine upgrades, but expanding them to cover hybrid components could give Honda a broader development window. Honda has already used one of its two allotted upgrades for 2023, retains two more for 2027, and received an extra £14 million in development funding.
Ben Sulayem also said he would speak directly with Alonso, acknowledging the driver’s disappointment at competing in his home race without a realistic chance of fighting for podiums. "I saw how upset he was, and I told him we need to hear his ideas on how to improve the results," the FIA chief explained. He added that earlier in May the governing body had taken legal steps to allow the team more freedom to develop its power unit, and he urged Honda to outline exactly what it needs to become competitive. Red Bull’s engine was deemed the best by the FIA earlier this year, though many within the paddock still consider Mercedes the benchmark.
Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies expressed openness to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda catch up. Wolff noted, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and Honda clearly needs more of it." Mekies echoed the sentiment, saying that the sport must remain flexible: "We can’t agree on everything, but when a situation threatens the health of the competition we find solutions. The ADUO rules were already adjusted earlier this season to aid lagging teams, and we will continue to review them." It is difficult to determine whether Alonso’s comments were a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or simply an honest expression of dissatisfaction with the current cars. The truth likely lies somewhere in between.
Alonso debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, racing the roaring naturally aspirated V10s of that era – a stark contrast to today’s quieter, hybrid‑driven machines. The shift in technology has been both a marvel and a challenge for veteran drivers who miss the visceral feel of older power units. Beyond the technical grievances, there is the broader question of how long the 45‑year‑old wants to continue racing if he cannot compete at the front. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the dilemma: "It’s not fun to be stuck at the back, dealing with unreliability and knowing you’ll only make it to Q1.
The engine is underperforming, but the chassis isn’t helping either. After the Hungarian aero upgrade there was a glimpse of pace, yet the Zandvoort engine update fell short of expectations.
Fernando isn’t enjoying his drives, and at some point you have to ask if it’s worth the risk week after week." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, an age that has only been reached by a handful of drivers in the sport’s history – Graham Hill was the last to race at that age in 1975. Earlier this year he became a father, and he has hinted that his motorsport ambitions may extend beyond Formula 1, mentioning a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and a bid at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack reiterated the team’s desire to keep Alonso, stating, "We have always been clear that we want to continue with Fernando. We respect his thoughts and the time he needs to decide. We are confident we can find a solution that works for everyone, but the decision ultimately lies with him." The 2027 grid is already largely set, with Max Verstappen re‑signing for Red Bull and the Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon confirming their places.
Only a few seats – notably the second Red Bull seat, the Racing Bulls, Haas and the upcoming Audi entry – remain open, meaning Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he choose to retire. Krack concluded, "I won’t discuss any Plan B. We hope Fernando stays.
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 prefer not to think about that scenario." As the season moves forward, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will kick off a triple‑header weekend from 24‑26 September, with the Baku race scheduled on a Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, streaming via NOW with a flexible, cancel‑anytime subscription.