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 upcoming 2026 rule 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 currently under contract with Aston Martin until the end of the 2025 campaign.
He told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix that the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically a reduction in the electric component from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent – will heavily influence his next move. "It boils down to whether the new regulations will have a tangible impact on the racing and on the driving experience," he explained. "The cars we have now, as I've said many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive.
Hopefully next year we see a step in the right direction." He added that he must weigh the best possible programme for the 2026 season, whether that means remaining behind the wheel or taking on a different role within the team. "I need to discuss with the team what will allow me to contribute most effectively," Alonso said.
"That decision will be made together." The following day, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene on Alonso's behalf, suggesting that the governing body wants to accelerate Honda's engine development so the British‑based power‑unit supplier can close the gap to its rivals. Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying, "We cannot let Fernando leave simply because the car is underperforming.
He should be able to stay as long as he wishes, not be forced out by circumstances." The president also noted that he had spoken with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and pledged to explore changes that could improve the situation. While some observers view his comments as a personal outreach, Sky Sports F1 reports that the FIA intends to work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five engine manufacturers – to find ways to support Honda.
One possible avenue is revising the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations. Currently, ADUO allowances focus mainly on internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) upgrades. Expanding the scope to cover hybrid and electric components could give Honda additional leeway to develop a more competitive package.
Honda has already used one of its two allocated engine upgrades for 2025 and has at least two more opportunities slated for 2027, backed by an extra £14 million development budget. Ben Sulayem recounted a conversation with Alonso in which he expressed empathy for the Spaniard's disappointment. "I saw him very upset in his home country, after a career that includes two world titles, and I told him we are working on solutions," the FIA chief said.
He added that earlier in May the FIA had taken legal steps to allow the team to pursue engine improvements, and he invited Alonso to articulate exactly what he needed to see on track. Red Bull's power unit was declared the best by the FIA earlier this year, though many in the paddock still regard Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull technical director Laurent Mekies have signalled openness to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda catch up.
Wolff remarked, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and Honda needs more of it. The conversation with the president and Fernando is reasonable – we want all top constructors to be competitive." Mekies echoed this sentiment, noting that the ADUO rules were already adjusted earlier in the season to assist teams that were lagging behind.
"All the teams voted for those changes because they benefit the sport as a whole," he explained. "If a situation arises that requires a fix, we normally find a solution. We will discuss the future of ADUO and address any shortcomings later." It is still unclear whether Alonso's remarks were primarily a push for rule changes that would aid Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current generation of F1 cars.
Likely it is a mixture of both. Alonso first entered Formula 1 in 2001, racing the thunderous naturally aspirated V10s of that era – a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbo‑charged units. Aston Martin's lack of competitiveness is certainly a factor in Alonso's calculus, especially when considering how long he wishes to continue racing if he cannot contend for podiums. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the situation: "It's not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability, and only ever making it to Q1.
The engine is underperforming, but the chassis is also lacking. The Hungary aero upgrade gave a lift, yet the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations.
Fernando isn't enjoying it, and the question becomes whether 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 back in 1975. Earlier this year, the Spaniard became a father and hinted that he still harbours ambitions beyond Formula 1, mentioning a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin's trackside chief Mike Krack reiterated 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 reach a solution that works for everyone." With most of the 2027 grid already set – Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull, and Williams' Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are staying put – the only seats still uncertain are the second Red Bull slot, the Racing Bulls, Haas, and the upcoming Audi entry.
This means Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he choose to step away. Krack added, "I will not discuss any Plan B. We sincerely 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 prefer not to think about that scenario." As the season moves forward, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will kick off a triple‑header weekend from September 24‑26, with the Baku race taking place on a Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, streamed via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time.