Fernando Alonso's position in Formula 1 remains uncertain after the two‑time world champion hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin "won't 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 machinery, which has managed to score points in only two races this season. Alonso, now 45, is racing under a contract that expires at the end of the current year.
He explained that the forthcoming changes to the power unit – specifically a reduction in the electric component from roughly 50 percent of total output to 42 percent – will heavily influence his future plans. "We need to understand how next year's regulations will affect the racing and the driving experience," he said at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday. "The cars we have now are, as I've said many times, not the most enjoyable to drive.
Next year there should be a step in the right direction, hopefully." He added that he must weigh the best programme for the next season, whether that means staying behind the wheel or taking on a different role within the team. "The most important thing is to decide together what will allow me to contribute the most," he told reporters.
A day after Alonso's comments, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to signal a willingness to speed up Honda's engine development so the Japanese manufacturer can close the performance gap. In a series of remarks that seemed aimed directly at Alonso, Ben Sulayem said, "There is no way we can let Fernando leave – a great champion – simply because of the current circumstances. He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not forced out by poor results." The president also disclosed that he had met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and promised to push for changes that could benefit the team.
"The car is not performing as it should. I will discuss this with Lawrence and try to persuade him that we need to act now," Ben Sulayem said.
Sky Sports F1 interpreted these statements as a personal intervention by the FIA chief, noting that the president intends to work with the Power Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five engine manufacturers – to help Honda. One possible avenue is to amend the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations so that they are not limited to internal combustion engine (ICE) power alone. Honda has already used one of its two upgrade slots for 2024, has at least two more available for 2027, and received an extra £14 million in development funding.
Ben Sulayem continued, "I spoke with Fernando in his home country and could see how upset he was. I told him that it is unacceptable for a double world champion to be at the back of the grid in his own nation. We have already taken legal steps in May to allow the team to improve the engine, and I asked Fernando what he thinks would help us get better results." Red Bull was named the best engine supplier earlier this 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 Laurent Mekies expressed openness to adjustments that could help Honda catch up.
Wolff explained, "The ADUO was created as a catch‑up mechanism and it was unlocked for Honda; they need more opportunities." Mekies added, "We cannot always agree on everything, but as a sport we keep an open mind about the regulations. Earlier this season we already changed the ADUO rules to aid teams that were lagging behind, with the support of all the constructors. If a situation arises that threatens the health of the sport, we will find a solution." Whether Alonso's remarks are a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current cars, is still up for debate.
It is worth remembering that Alonso debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, an era dominated by roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines, a stark contrast to today's hybrid power units. Aston Martin's lack of competitiveness is certainly a factor in the Spaniard's thinking, and it raises the broader question of how long he intends to continue racing if he cannot fight for podiums. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins noted, "It's not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability and only making it to Q1. The engine is underperforming, but the chassis is also lacking.
The Hungarian aero upgrade helped a bit, and 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.
The Spaniard became a father earlier this year and has hinted that he may have other motorsport ambitions, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aston Martin's trackside chief Mike Krack said after the Spanish Grand Prix, "We've always been clear that the team wants to continue. We respect Fernando's thoughts and the time he needs to decide.
We're confident we can find a solution that works for everyone, but we have to wait for his decision." The 2027 grid is largely set, with Max Verstappen extending his Red Bull contract and Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon committing to stay. Only the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the new Audi entry have yet to confirm line‑ups, meaning Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he retire. Krack emphasized, "I won't discuss any Plan B.
We hope Fernando stays because he is vital to our team, to Formula 1 and to motorsport as a whole. It would be a tragedy to lose him, and I don't want to think about that scenario." As the season moves forward, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will kick off a triple‑header from 24‑26 September, with the Baku race taking place on a Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. In summary, Alonso's future hinges on several interrelated factors: the upcoming 2026 power‑unit regulations, the potential for rule adjustments such as ADUO reforms, Aston Martin's ability to close the performance gap, and the personal desire of the champion to continue racing at a competitive level.
The FIA's willingness to intervene, combined with the support of other top manufacturers, may create a pathway for Honda and Aston Martin to improve, but whether that will be enough to keep the seasoned Spaniard in the sport remains to be seen.