Fernando Alonso's position in Formula One remains uncertain after he hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin will not be reached any time soon. The two‑time world champion has expressed growing frustration with the sport's upcoming 2026 rule package and with the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machinery, which has managed to score points only twice this season.
Alonso, now 45, is currently under contract with Aston Martin until the end of the 2025 campaign. He told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix that his future will largely depend on how the new technical regulations affect the car's power unit. The 2026 changes will lower the proportion of electric power from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent, a shift that could alter the balance between internal‑combustion engines and hybrid systems.
"We need to understand whether next year’s rules will have a real impact on racing and on the driving experience," Alonso said. "The cars we have now are, as I have repeated many times, not the most enjoyable to drive. Next year should be a step in the right direction, if everything goes as planned." He added that he will weigh the best programme for the upcoming season with the team, whether that means staying behind the wheel or moving into a different capacity where he can contribute most effectively.
"It will be a joint decision," he emphasized, "and the most important thing is to find the role that benefits the team and the sport the most." The following day, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene on Alonso's behalf, stating publicly that the governing body would work to accelerate Honda's engine development so the British‑based power‑unit supplier could close the gap to its rivals. "There is no way we can let a champion of Fernando's calibre leave the sport simply because of the car's current performance," Ben Sulayem declared.
"He should be able to stay as long as he wishes, not forced out by circumstances beyond his control." Ben Sulayem said he would discuss the matter directly with Honda and Aston Martin's owner Lawrence Stroll, noting that the FIA intends to collaborate with the Power Unit Advisory Committee—comprising all five manufacturers—to explore possible adjustments. One proposal under consideration is to modify the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) framework so that it is not limited to internal‑combustion engine upgrades alone. Honda has already exhausted one of its two allowed engine upgrades for 2025, still has two upgrades earmarked for 2027, and received an additional £14 million development budget from the FIA. In a candid conversation with Alonso, Ben Sulayem reportedly expressed empathy for the Spaniard’s disappointment, especially given that the recent race took place in his home country.
"I saw how upset he was and told him that it is unacceptable for a two‑time world champion to be fighting at the back of the grid in front of his own fans," the president said. He also referenced a legal step taken in May that allowed Honda to pursue further engine improvements, and invited Alonso to outline exactly what he believes would help the team turn the corner. Red Bull’s engine was judged the strongest earlier this year by the FIA, though many in the paddock still view Mercedes as the benchmark.
Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies have voiced openness to rule tweaks that could help Honda catch up. Wolff explained that the ADUO system was originally designed as a catch‑up mechanism and that Honda needs more flexibility.
Mekies added that while consensus on every regulation is impossible, the sport’s stakeholders are willing to revisit and adjust rules when they hinder competition. He recalled that an earlier amendment to the ADUO regulations was passed precisely to aid teams that were lagging behind, a move supported by a majority of the constructors. The broader question remains whether Alonso’s remarks are a strategic push for regulatory change that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or simply a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current generation of F1 cars.
It is likely a mixture of both. Alonso first entered Formula One in 2001, when naturally aspirated V10s roared around circuits—a stark contrast to today’s hybrid power units. The shift in technology, combined with Aston Martin’s struggle to produce a front‑running car, has left the Spaniard questioning how long he can continue competing at the highest level.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins highlighted the emotional toll of constantly fighting at the back of the field: "It isn’t fun to be stuck in Q1, dealing with unreliability and knowing you have little chance of scoring points. The engine is underperforming, but the chassis also lacks pace. The Hungary aero upgrade gave a glimpse of improvement, yet the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations.
Fernando isn’t enjoying it, and he has to ask himself whether it’s worth the risk week after week." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, an age rarely seen in modern Formula One; the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. Earlier this year he became a father and hinted that he still harbours ambitions beyond F1, mentioning a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans as viable options. Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack reiterated the team’s desire to keep Alonso, stressing respect for the driver’s personal timeline.
"We have always been clear that we want to continue with Fernando. We must respect his thoughts and the time he needs to decide. We are confident we can find a solution that works for everyone," Krack said, adding that discussions about a contingency plan are off‑limits. "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 prefer not to imagine that scenario." While most of the 2027 grid is already set—Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull, and Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are staying—the only seats still in flux are the second Red Bull seat, the Racing Bulls line‑up, Haas, and the upcoming Audi entry. This means Aston Martin cannot simply replace Alonso with another high‑profile driver if he decides to step away. In summary, Alonso’s future hinges on a combination of technical regulation changes, Honda’s engine development trajectory, and the overall competitiveness of the Aston Martin package. The FIA’s willingness to revisit ADUO rules, coupled with support from other top manufacturers, could create a more level playing field and potentially persuade the Spaniard to remain.
However, if the sport does not address the performance gap quickly, Alonso may choose to transition to a different role within motorsport, leaving a notable void in the Formula One paddock.