Fernando Alonso's position 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 only managed to finish in the points on two occasions 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 play a decisive role in his future plans. "We need to understand whether next year’s regulations will affect the racing and the driving experience," Alonso told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday. "The cars we have now, as I have said many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive.
Hopefully next year will bring a step in the right direction. At the same time I have to think about what programme is best for me – whether that means staying behind the wheel or taking on a different role where I can contribute most effectively. That decision will have to be made together with the team." Alonso's remarks were quickly followed by comments from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who appeared to signal a willingness to speed up Honda's development programme so the Japanese manufacturer can close the gap to the leading power‑unit suppliers. Sulayem said, "There is no way we can let Fernando leave simply because of the current circumstances.
A champion of his stature should be allowed to stay as long as he wishes, not forced out by a lack of performance." The president also hinted at possible regulatory tweaks, noting that the FIA is working with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee—which includes all five engine makers—to explore adjustments that could benefit Honda. One suggestion under discussion is to amend the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) rules so that they are not limited to internal‑combustion engine upgrades alone. Honda has already used one of its two upgrade slots for 2024 and is slated to receive an extra £14 million for development, with further opportunities earmarked for 2027. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies have both expressed openness to changes that would help Honda catch up.
Wolff remarked, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism and it has been unlocked for Honda; they need more. The conversation with Fernando is fair – we want all top constructors to be competitive, and sometimes the regulations need fine‑tuning for the health of the sport." Mekies added, "We cannot agree on everything, but as stakeholders we always look for solutions when a team is at a disadvantage.
Earlier this year the ADUO rules were altered to aid those who were lagging behind, and that vote was supported by all teams. We will continue to discuss the future of these regulations and address any shortcomings." Whether Alonso’s comments are a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of disappointment with the current generation of cars, is difficult to determine. The Spaniard debuted in F1 in 2001, when the sport still featured roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines—a stark contrast to today’s hybrid power units.
His nostalgia for the older era may be influencing his view of the modern machinery, which he describes as “not the best cars to drive and to enjoy.” Alonso, now 45, will turn 46 next summer, an age at which only a handful of drivers have remained competitive. The last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. Adding to the personal dimension, Alonso became a father earlier this year and has hinted that he may pursue other motorsport projects, such as a return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, should his Formula 1 prospects dim. Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack reiterated the team’s desire to keep the champion aboard.
"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 reach a solution that works for everyone," Krack said in Madrid. He declined to discuss any contingency plans, emphasizing how important Alonso is to the team, the sport and motorsport in general. The broader driver market offers limited alternatives for Aston Martin.
While most of the 2027 grid is already set—Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull, and Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are staying—several seats remain open, including the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bull, Haas and the forthcoming Audi entry. However, none of these are likely to provide a ready-made replacement of Alonso’s calibre if he chooses to retire. Commentators at Sky Sports F1 have highlighted the psychological toll of constantly fighting at the back of the pack.
Bernie Collins observed, "It’s not fun driving around at the back, dealing with unreliability and knowing you can only make 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 in, week out." In summary, Alonso’s future hinges on a combination of technical developments, possible regulatory adjustments, and personal considerations.
The FIA’s willingness to engage with Honda, the potential modification of ADUO rules, and the team’s commitment to finding a mutually agreeable path will all influence whether the Spaniard remains on the grid or decides to step away. As the sport moves toward the 2026 regulation overhaul, the outcome of these discussions could shape not only Alonso’s career but also the competitive balance among the top constructors.