Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain after the two‑time world champion hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin will not be reached any time soon. The Spanish driver has expressed growing frustration with the sport's 2026 regulatory package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machinery, which has managed to score points in only two races this season. With his current contract set to expire at the end of the year, Alonso indicated that the upcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically the reduction of electric boost from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent – will heavily influence his next move. "It all comes down to understanding how next year’s rule changes will affect the racing and the driving experience," Alonso told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday.
"The cars we have now, as I have said many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive. I hope next year brings a step in the right direction. At the same time, I need to think about the best programme for next year and discuss it with the team – whether that means staying behind the wheel or taking on a different role where I can add the most value. That decision will have to be made together." The comments sparked a swift reaction from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who appeared to signal a willingness to speed up Honda’s engine development in order to close the performance gap.
In a series of remarks, Ben Sulayem stressed that the governing body would not allow a champion of Alonso’s stature to be forced out of the sport simply because his car was under‑performing. "There is no way we can let Fernando leave just because of the circumstances. He should leave on his own terms, after he has been successful, not because he feels compelled to retire due to poor results," the president said.
Ben Sulayem also indicated that he would be discussing the situation with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee, which includes all five engine manufacturers. One possible avenue under consideration is amending the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations so that they are not limited to internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) power alone.
Honda has already used one of its two upgrade slots for the current season, retains at least two more for 2027, and has been granted an extra £14 million development budget to accelerate progress. The president recounted a recent meeting with Aston Martin’s Lawrence Stroll, noting that he had expressed sympathy for Alonso’s disappointment, especially when the driver was competing in his home race. "I told him I understand it is unacceptable that he comes to his own country and, after two world championships, finds himself at the back of the grid," Ben Sulayem said. "We have already taken steps earlier this year to allow the team more leeway with engine development, and I asked Fernando what else he needs from us to improve the results." While the FIA’s involvement may appear personal, insiders at Sky Sports F1 suggest that the president is simply trying to keep the sport’s top constructors competitive.
Red Bull was recognised by the FIA earlier this year as having the best power unit, although many in the paddock still view Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies have signalled openness to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda catch up.
Wolff explained, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and we unlocked that formula for Honda because they need more development opportunities. The conversation the president had with Alonso is fair – we want all top teams to be competitive, and sometimes regulations need to be adjusted for the good of the sport." Mekies added, "We cannot agree on everything, but we try to keep an open view of the regulations. Earlier this year we already changed the ADUO rules to help those who were lagging behind.
All teams voted for that because it benefits the sport. If a situation arises that needs fixing, we normally find a solution. I am sure we will sit down soon to discuss the future of ADUO and address its shortcomings." It is still unclear whether Alonso’s remarks were primarily a push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current generation of F1 cars.
The reality is likely a blend of both. Alonso first entered Formula 1 in 2001, when the series was powered by roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines – a stark contrast to today’s hybrid turbo units with complex energy‑recovery systems.
Beyond the technical frustrations, the Spaniard is also confronting the broader question of how long he wishes to continue racing if he cannot compete for podiums. At 45, he would be 46 next summer, an age rarely seen at the front of the grid; the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975.
Alonso recently became a father and has hinted that he may explore other motorsport avenues, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the dilemma: "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, and the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations. Fernando isn’t enjoying it, and eventually you have to ask whether it’s worth putting yourself at risk week in, week out." Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack reiterated the team’s desire to keep 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 rest of the 2027 grid is largely set, with Max Verstappen signing a new contract at Red Bull and the Williams pair Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon committing to stay. Only a handful of seats – the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bull, Haas and the forthcoming Audi entry – remain undecided, limiting Aston Martin’s options for a high‑profile replacement should Alonso choose to step away. Krack concluded, "I will not discuss any Plan B. We very much 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 do not want to think about that scenario." As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple‑header weekend from September 24‑26, the sport continues to watch closely how the negotiations between Alonso, Aston Martin, Honda and the FIA will evolve, and whether any regulatory adjustments will be enough to keep one of the sport’s most celebrated drivers on the grid for another season.