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 made any time soon. The Spaniard has voiced growing frustration with the sport’s upcoming 2026 rule package and with the performance of his current Aston Martin‑Honda car, which has managed to score points in only two races so far 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 the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically the reduction of the electric‑motor contribution from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent – will be a key factor in his decision‑making process. "It’s a matter of understanding whether the rules for next year will have a real impact on the racing and on the driving side of things," he said.
"The cars we have now, as I have repeated many times, are not the most enjoyable to drive. Next year should be a step in the right direction, hopefully." He added that he will need to discuss the best programme for the 2027 season with the team, weighing whether he should remain behind the wheel or take on a different role where he can contribute most effectively.
"Whether I stay as a driver or move into another capacity, that decision has to be made together with the team," Alonso explained. A day after his comments, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene on the driver’s behalf, suggesting that the governing body wants to speed up Honda’s engine development to help the Japanese manufacturer close the gap to its rivals. "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave – a great champion – simply because of the circumstances. That would not be the right way to exit the sport," Ben Sulayem said.
"He should be able to stay as long as he is successful, not forced out by a lack of performance." The president indicated that he had spoken with Aston Martin’s owner Lawrence Stroll and would push for changes that could improve the car’s competitiveness. While some observers view his remarks as a personal outreach, Sky Sports F1 reported that Ben Sulayem is likely to work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five engine manufacturers – to explore ways of assisting Honda.
One possible avenue is to modify the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations, which currently focus on internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) power. Honda has already used one of its two upgrade slots for 2026 and is slated to have at least two more opportunities for 2027, backed by an extra £14 million development budget.
Adjusting the ADUO rules could give Honda more flexibility to improve both the ICE and the hybrid components of its power unit. Ben Sulayem recounted a conversation with Alonso in which he expressed empathy for the driver’s disappointment. "I saw him very sad and told him it’s not acceptable that he comes to his home race and, after winning two world championships, finds himself at the back of the grid," the FIA chief said. He also mentioned that earlier in May the FIA had taken legal steps to allow the team to pursue engine upgrades, and he invited Alonso to share his ideas on how to raise performance.
The broader engine debate continues across the paddock. Earlier this year the FIA declared Red Bull’s power unit the best on the grid, though many insiders still consider Mercedes the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull technical chief Laurent Mekies have signalled openness to rule adjustments that could help Honda catch up. Wolff noted, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism and it was unlocked for Honda; they need more." Mekies added that while consensus on every regulation is impossible, the sport strives to keep an open dialogue.
He recalled that the ADUO rules were already tweaked earlier in the season to aid teams that were lagging, a change that was approved by a majority of the constructors. "We will continue to discuss the future of ADUO and address any shortcomings," he said. It is still unclear whether Alonso’s remarks were primarily a push for regulatory change that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current cars. Likely it is a mix of both.
The Spaniard made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, racing the loud, naturally aspirated V10s of that era – a stark contrast to today’s quiet, highly regulated hybrid machines. Aston Martin’s lack of competitiveness is undoubtedly a factor in Alonso’s thinking, especially as he contemplates how long he wants to continue racing if he cannot fight for podiums. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the situation: "It’s not fun driving at the back, dealing with unreliability and knowing you can only make it to Q1.
The engine is underperforming, but the chassis isn’t helping either. The Hungary aero upgrade gave a lift, and the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations.
Fernando isn’t enjoying it, and at some point you have to ask whether it’s worth the risk week after week." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to compete in Formula 1 at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. Earlier this year he became a father, and he has hinted that he may have ambitions beyond F1, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin’s trackside chief Mike Krack said the team respects Alonso’s decision timeline and hopes for a positive outcome. "We have always been clear that we want to continue with Fernando.
We need to respect his thoughts and the time he needs to decide. We are confident we can find a solution that works for everyone," Krack told reporters in Madrid. He declined to discuss any contingency plans, emphasizing how important Alonso is to the team and to the sport as a whole. The rest of the 2027 grid is largely set: Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull, and Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have confirmed their seats.
Only a few teams – notably the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the forthcoming Audi entry – have yet to finalize line‑ups, meaning Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he choose to step away. As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple‑header weekend from 24‑26 September, the F1 community watches closely to see whether regulatory tweaks, engine upgrades, or perhaps a new role for the seasoned Spaniard will keep him in the sport. The outcome will shape not only Alonso’s career but also the competitive balance of Formula One as it heads into the new regulatory era.