Fernando Alonso's position within Formula 1 remains uncertain after he hinted that a decision about his future with Aston Martin will not be made imminently. The two‑time world champion has voiced growing frustration with the sport's upcoming 2026 rule package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points only on two occasions this season.
Alonso, now 45, is currently under contract with Aston Martin until the end of the 2023 campaign. He told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix that his next move will largely depend on how the new technical regulations affect the car’s power unit.
Under the 2026 framework, the proportion of electrical energy in the hybrid system will be cut from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent, a change that could reshape the balance between internal‑combustion engines and electric motors. "We need to understand whether the rules for next year will have a real impact on the racing and on the driving experience," Alonso said. "The cars we have now are, as I've said many times, not the most enjoyable to drive. Next year should be a step in the right direction, hopefully." He added that he must weigh his options for the 2024 season, whether he stays behind the wheel or takes on a different role within the team.
"I need to think about the best programme for next year and sit down with the team. Whether I'm driving or contributing in another capacity, the most important thing is to decide together what will benefit the team the most," he explained.
The following day, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene on Alonso's behalf, suggesting that the governing body would push for accelerated development of Honda's power unit to bring it up to speed with rival manufacturers. "We cannot allow Fernando to leave simply because the car is under‑performing," Sulayem said. "He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not forced out by circumstances beyond his control. I have spoken with Lawrence Stroll and we will explore every possible avenue to keep him in the sport." Sulayem's remarks were interpreted as a personal outreach, but they also signal a broader willingness from the FIA to work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee—comprising all five engine suppliers—to address Honda's competitive deficit.
One potential lever is the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulation, which currently focuses on internal‑combustion engine upgrades. Expanding ADUO to cover hybrid and electric components could give Honda a more robust pathway to catch up.
Honda has already exhausted one of its two allocated engine upgrades for 2023 and retains at least two more for the 2027 season, backed by an additional £14 million development budget approved by the FIA. Sulayem indicated that he would meet with Honda's leadership to discuss concrete steps.
"I told Fernando I understand his frustration, especially racing in front of his home crowd and feeling he is not competitive after two world titles," Sulayem recalled. "We have already taken legal steps earlier this year to allow the team to accelerate engine improvements, and I asked him what further support he needs." Red Bull's engine, which the FIA recognized as the strongest earlier in the year, and Mercedes, widely regarded as the benchmark, have both expressed openness to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda close the gap. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and Honda certainly needs more flexibility.
Adjusting the rules to promote a more level playing field benefits the sport as a whole." Similarly, Red Bull's Laurent Mekies said, "While we don’t agree on every detail, the sport must remain adaptable. Earlier this season we voted to modify the ADUO rules to aid teams that were falling behind. If further changes are required, we will discuss them with all stakeholders." It remains unclear whether Alonso's comments were primarily a catalyst for rule changes that could aid Aston Martin and Honda, or if they reflect genuine dissatisfaction with the current generation of cars. The Spaniard debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, an era dominated by naturally aspirated V10 engines, a stark contrast to today’s turbo‑hybrid units.
His nostalgia for the sound and feel of those machines may be influencing his perspective. Beyond the technical grievances, there is the question of how long Alonso intends to stay in Formula 1 if he cannot compete for podiums. At 46, he would be the oldest driver on the grid, a distinction not seen since Graham Hill retired in 1975.
Recent comments from Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins highlighted the mental and physical toll of constantly fighting at the back of the field: "It's not fun driving in the midfield, dealing with unreliability and knowing you can’t make it past Q1. The engine is under‑performing, and the car isn’t helping either. When you risk yourself week after week without results, you start to question whether it’s worth it." Alonso also revealed that he became a father earlier this year and hinted at possible interests outside of Formula 1, including a return to the World Endurance Championship and a bid at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
These options suggest he is keeping his career doors open, even as he weighs his future in the premier single‑seater series. 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 Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull and the Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have committed to 2024, only a few seats remain open at teams like Haas, Audi, and the second Red Bull seat. This scarcity makes it unlikely that Aston Martin could replace Alonso with a high‑profile driver should he choose to retire.
Krack concluded, "I will not discuss any Plan B. We hope Fernando stays because he is vital to our team, to Formula 1, and to motorsport overall. Losing him would be a huge blow, and I prefer not to think about that scenario." As the season progresses, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will kick off a three‑race weekend from September 24‑26, with the Baku race taking place on a Saturday.
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