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 openly expressed his frustration with the sport's upcoming 2026 rule changes and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda package, which has only managed to score points on two occasions this season. With his current contract set to expire at the end of the year, Alonso indicated that the nature of the power‑unit modifications slated for next season—specifically a reduction in the electric component from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent—will heavily influence his next move.
Speaking at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday, Alonso said, "It’s a matter of understanding what the rules from next year will have an impact or not on the racing and on the driving side of things." He added that the present‑day cars are "not the best cars to drive and to enjoy," but he remains hopeful that the 2026 regulations will represent a step in the right direction. "At the same time, I need to think about what is the best programme for next year and sit with the team. Behind the wheel or in another role, where I will be helping the most, that will be the most important thing to decide together," he explained. Alonso's remarks were quickly followed by comments from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who appeared to suggest that the governing body is prepared to accelerate Honda's engine development program so the Japanese manufacturer can close the gap to its rivals.
Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying, "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave – Alonso, a great champion – just because of the circumstances. That's not the way to leave the stage. He has to be successful and then he leaves whenever he wants, not because he was forced to leave because of the performance." The president also hinted at possible regulatory tweaks, noting that the FIA is working with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee—comprising all five engine suppliers—to explore ways of assisting Honda. One proposal under discussion is altering the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) framework so that it is not limited to internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) power alone.
Honda has already exhausted one of its two upgrade slots for 2023, still has at least two upgrades available for 2027, and received an extra £14 million in development funding. Ben Sulayem told Alonso, "I saw you very sad, and I said, 'Fernando, I understand, it's not acceptable that you are coming to your own country and now after two times a world champion you are at the last.'" He added that the FIA had already taken legal steps in May to allow the team more freedom to improve the engine, and he invited Alonso to specify what changes he would like to see. "Please tell me what you want us to do to improve these results," the president said, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach. Red Bull was deemed to have the best power unit earlier in the year by the FIA, although many within the paddock still view Mercedes as the benchmark.
Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s sporting director Laurent Mekies have expressed openness to adjustments that could help Honda catch up. Wolff remarked, "The ADUO in that case was designed as a catch‑up mechanism and that formula was unlocked for Honda, and they need more." He continued, "We want all of the top constructors to be competitive and successful.
Regulations sometimes need an adjustment for the good of the sport." Mekies echoed this sentiment, noting that the ADUO rules were already amended earlier in the season to aid teams that were lagging behind. "All the teams voted for that change for the benefit of the sport," he said. "When a situation needs fixing, we normally find solutions.
I'm sure we will sit down at some stage and discuss the future of ADUO regulations and address the shortfalls." 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 cars, is still up for debate. It is worth remembering that Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001, an era dominated by roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines—a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units.
The shift in technology, combined with Aston Martin's struggles to be competitive, has clearly weighed on his mind. At 45, Alonso will turn 46 next summer, making him one of the oldest drivers on the grid.
The last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. Earlier this year, Alonso became a father, and he has 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 emphasized the team’s desire to retain the Spaniard, stating, "We were always clear the team wants to continue. We have made it clear all through, but we need to respect what Fernando's thoughts are.
We need to respect the time he wants to take. And, as I said before, we're confident we can reach a good solution for everybody. He needs to make up his mind and then we move on." The broader driver market adds another layer of complexity.
Most of the 2027 grid is already set, with Max Verstappen having renewed his Red Bull contract and the Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon committing to stay. Only a handful of seats—namely the second Red Bull seat, the Racing Bulls, Haas and the new Audi entry—remain undecided, limiting Aston Martin’s options to replace Alonso should he decide to retire. Krack concluded, "I will also not speak about any Plan B. We very much hope that Fernando will continue.
He's very important for our team, for Formula 1 and for motorsport in general. It would be a pity not to have him anymore.
That would be so dramatic I do not even want to talk about it." In summary, Alonso's future hinges on several intertwined factors: the impact of the 2026 regulation package on the competitiveness of the Aston Martin‑Honda car, the willingness of the FIA and engine manufacturers to adjust development rules, and the personal desire of the champion to continue racing at a level where he can contend for podiums. As the sport heads into the final races of the season, all eyes will be on the Spanish Grand Prix and the forthcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the outcomes may provide further clues about the direction of both Alonso’s career and the broader regulatory landscape of Formula One.