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 reached anytime soon. The Spaniard has voiced 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.
Alonso, now 45, is currently under contract with Aston Martin until the end of the 2025 campaign. He explained that the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically the reduction of the electric component from roughly 50 percent of total output to about 42 percent – will be a decisive factor in his future plans.
"It comes down to understanding whether the new regulations for next year will have a real impact on the racing and on how the car feels to drive," he told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday. He added that the present cars, in his view, are not the most enjoyable machines to pilot. "The current cars are, as I've said many times, not the best to drive and to enjoy. But next year there is a step in the right direction, hopefully," he said.
"At the same time I have to consider what the best programme is for next year and sit down with the team. Whether I'm behind the wheel or in another capacity, where I can contribute the most, that will be the most important decision we make together." The day after Alonso's remarks, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to signal a willingness to accelerate Honda's development programme so the Japanese engine builder can close the gap to its rivals. In a series of comments that seemed to blend personal encouragement with regulatory discussion, Sulayem said, "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 end a career.
He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not forced out by poor performance." Sulayem disclosed that he had met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and promised to push for changes that could benefit the team. He suggested that the FIA's Power‑Unit Advisory Committee, which includes all five manufacturers, could look at tweaking the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) rules, which currently focus mainly on internal‑combustion‑engine upgrades. By expanding the scope of ADUO, Honda could receive more development tokens, helping it to catch up with the dominant power units. Honda has already used one of its two allocated engine upgrade opportunities for 2025 and retains at least two more for the 2027 season, along with an extra £14 million development budget approved by the FIA.
Sulayem said he would speak directly with Honda's leadership and with Alonso, acknowledging the driver's disappointment at competing in his home race while his car lags behind the front‑runners. Red Bull was judged earlier this year by the FIA to have the strongest power unit, although many in the paddock still regard Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull's Laurent Mekies expressed openness to regulatory adjustments that could help Honda close the gap.
Wolff noted, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and it was unlocked for Honda. They need more." Mekies added that the sport regularly reviews its technical rules to maintain competitiveness.
"We cannot agree on everything, but as stakeholders we look for solutions when a situation needs fixing. The ADUO regulations were already tweaked earlier this year to aid teams that were falling behind, and we will continue to discuss how to improve them in the future," he said. Whether Alonso's comments are a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current car, remains open to interpretation. The Spaniard made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, an era of roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines, a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units.
The shift in technology has been a source of nostalgia for many veteran drivers. Alonso's future also hinges on how long he wishes to continue racing if he cannot compete at the front. At 46 next summer, he would be one of the oldest drivers on the grid – the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. In recent interviews, Alonso mentioned his recent entry into fatherhood and hinted at possible ambitions outside of Formula 1, including a return to the World Endurance Championship and a bid at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin's trackside chief Mike Krack emphasized the team's desire to retain 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." 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 the Williams pair of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are staying – only a handful of seats remain open at Red Bull, Haas and the upcoming Audi entry. This means Aston Martin cannot simply replace Alonso with a high‑profile driver should he choose to retire.
Krack summed up the team's sentiment: "Fernando is vital for us, for Formula 1 and for motorsport as a whole. It would be a huge loss if he left, and I prefer not to think about that scenario." As the season moves forward, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will kick off a three‑race sprint from 24 to 26 September, with the Baku event taking place on a Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1 or via the NOW streaming service.
The unfolding discussion around regulatory tweaks, Honda's development path, and Alonso's personal decision will continue to shape the narrative of the sport's next era.