Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain after he hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin "won't be made any time soon." The two‑time world champion has expressed disappointment with the sport's 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. At 45, Alonso is aware that his current contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the campaign, and he has indicated that the upcoming changes to the power‑unit formula will heavily influence his next move. Next year the regulations will lower the electric contribution of the hybrid system from roughly 50 % of total output to about 42 %. Alonso said the impact of those adjustments on both the racing spectacle and the driver experience will be a key factor in his deliberations.
"We need to understand how the rule changes for next year will affect the car on track and the way we drive," he explained at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday. "The cars we have now, as I have repeated many times, are not the most enjoyable to pilot.
Hopefully the new regulations will represent a step in the right direction." He added that he must weigh the best possible programme for the 2027 season, whether that means staying behind the wheel or taking on a different role within the team. "Whatever allows me to contribute the most will be the deciding factor, and that will be decided together with the team," Alonso said. The very next day, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene, suggesting he wants to accelerate Honda's engine development so the British‑Japanese partnership can close the gap to the front‑running power units.
"There is no way we can let Fernando leave simply because of the current circumstances," Ben Sulayem told reporters. "A champion of his stature should be able to stay as long as he wishes, not forced out by poor performance." Ben Sulayem said he had spoken with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and would push for changes that could help Honda. The president hinted at possible revisions to the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) framework, which presently focuses on internal‑combustion engine upgrades. By expanding ADUO to cover hybrid and aerodynamic development, Honda could receive extra leeway to improve its power unit.
Honda has already exhausted one of its two allocated engine upgrade slots for 2024 and holds at least two more for 2027, supported by an additional £14 million development budget granted by the FIA. Ben Sulayem emphasized his personal conversation with Alonso, noting the Spaniard's disappointment at competing on home soil while feeling "the last man standing" after two world titles.
"We discussed what Honda can do to improve, and I asked Fernando what he needs from us," Ben Sulayem said. "He was very clear that the current results are unacceptable, and we are committed to finding a solution." Red Bull's power unit was recognised by the FIA earlier this year as the benchmark, though many in the paddock still view Mercedes as the gold standard. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull technical chief Laurent Mekies have expressed openness to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda catch up. Wolff noted that the ADUO system was originally designed as a catch‑up mechanism and that Honda needs more flexibility.
Mekies added, "We cannot agree on everything, but the sport benefits from a collaborative approach to the rules. Earlier this season we already adjusted ADUO to aid teams that were lagging behind. If further changes are required, we will discuss them with all stakeholders." It is difficult to determine whether Alonso's remarks were a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or simply a genuine expression of frustration with the current cars.
The reality is likely a blend of both. Alonso first entered Formula 1 in 2001, racing in the era of naturally aspirated V10 engines—a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units.
Aston Martin's lack of competitiveness is another factor in the Spaniard's calculus. As he approaches 46, the question arises how long he wishes to continue racing if he cannot contend for podiums. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the dilemma: "It's not enjoyable to be stuck at the back, dealing with reliability issues and only making it into Q1. The engine is underperforming, and the car's aerodynamics are only marginally improved after upgrades in Hungary and Zandvoort.
At some point, you have to ask whether the risk and effort are worth it." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. Earlier this year he became a father and hinted that he may explore other motorsport avenues, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin's trackside chief Mike Krack stressed that the team respects Alonso's decision-making timeline. "We have always been clear that we want to continue working together, but we must honour Fernando's thoughts and the time he needs to decide. We are confident a solution that satisfies everyone will be reached," Krack said in Madrid. With most of the 2027 grid already set—Max Verstappen re‑signing with Red Bull, Williams retaining Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon—the only open seats are the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the forthcoming Audi entry.
Should Alonso choose to step away, Aston Martin would have limited options to replace a driver of his calibre. Krack added, "I will not discuss any Plan B. We hope Fernando stays because he is vital to our team, to Formula 1 and to motorsport as a whole.
It would be a tragedy to lose him, and I prefer not to imagine that scenario." The F1 calendar moves forward with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicking off a triple‑header from 24‑26 September, with the Baku race scheduled for Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, streaming via NOW with a flexible subscription.