Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain after he hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin will not be made any time soon. The two‑time world champion has expressed growing frustration with the sport's 2026 regulatory package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has only managed to score points on two occasions this season. Alonso, now 45, is racing under a contract that expires at the end of the current year. He told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix that his choice will largely depend on how the new power‑unit rules for 2026 affect the car's competitiveness.
Under the upcoming formula, the electric component of the hybrid system will be reduced from roughly 50 % of total output to about 42 %, a change that could reshape the balance between engine manufacturers and teams. "We need to understand whether next year's rule changes will have a real impact on racing and on the driving experience," Alonso said on Thursday. "The cars we have now, as I've said many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive.
Next year there should be a step in the right direction, hopefully. At the same time I have to think about the best programme for next season and discuss it with the team – whether I'm behind the wheel or in another capacity where I can contribute the most. That decision will be made together." A day after his comments, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to signal his willingness to speed up Honda's development programme so the Japanese engine builder can close the gap to its rivals.
In a series of remarks that seemed aimed directly at Alonso, Ben Sulayem said, "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave – a great champion – simply because of the circumstances. He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not be forced out by poor performance." The president also mentioned that he had met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and would push for changes that might persuade Alonso to remain.
While some observers view Ben Sulayem's statements as a personal intervention, Sky Sports F1 noted that the FIA president is likely to work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five manufacturers – to explore ways to help Honda. One possible avenue is to amend the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations so that they apply not only to internal‑combustion engine (ICE) power but also to hybrid components.
Honda has already used one of its two allotted engine upgrades for 2023 and retains at least two more for 2027, having also received an extra £14 million in development funding. Ben Sulayem told Alonso, "I saw you looking very sad at your home race.
It's not acceptable that after two world titles you end up at the back of the grid. We have taken steps earlier this year to give the team legal permission to accelerate engine improvements.
Tell me what you need, and we will try to deliver." Red Bull was judged by the FIA earlier this season to have the strongest power unit, although many in the paddock still consider Mercedes the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull's Laurent Mekies have indicated they are open to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda catch up. Wolff said, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and Honda needs more of it. The conversation with the president is fair – we want all top constructors to be competitive.
Sometimes regulations need adjustment for the health of the sport." Mekies added, "We cannot agree on everything, but as stakeholders we look for solutions when a situation threatens the sport. Earlier this year we modified the ADUO rules to assist teams that were lagging, and all teams voted for it. We will continue to discuss the future of these regulations and address any shortcomings." It is still unclear whether Alonso's remarks were a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or simply a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current cars. The Spaniard debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, when the grid roared with naturally aspirated V10 engines – a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units.
Aston Martin's lack of competitiveness is certainly part of the equation, and it raises the broader question of how long Alonso intends to stay in the sport if he cannot fight for podiums. Bernie Collins of Sky Sports F1 summed it up: "It's not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability and knowing you can only make it to Q1. The engine is underperforming, and the car is as well.
The Hungary aero upgrade helped a bit, but the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations. Fernando isn't enjoying it, and at some point you have to ask if it's worth the risk week after week." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. He became a father earlier this year and 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 trackside chief Mike Krack told reporters in Madrid, "We have always been clear that the team wants to continue, but we must respect Fernando's thoughts and the timeline he needs. We are confident we can find a solution that works for everyone, but ultimately the decision is his." With most of the 2027 grid already set – Max Verstappen re‑signed with Red Bull, and Williams' Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have confirmed their seats – Aston Martin's options to replace Alonso are limited.
Only the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the new Audi entry have yet to finalise line‑ups, meaning the team cannot simply plug in a high‑profile driver if Alonso decides to retire. Krack added, "I won't discuss any Plan B.
We hope Fernando stays. He is vital for our team, for Formula 1 and for motorsport as a whole.
It would be a tragedy to lose him, and I don't want to think about that scenario." The F1 calendar moves forward as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks 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, streamed via NOW with a flexible, cancel‑anytime subscription.