Fernando Alonso's position in Formula 1 remains uncertain after he hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin will not be reached anytime soon. The two‑time world champion has voiced growing frustration with the sport's 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. At 45 years old, Alonso is aware that his current contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the year, and he has made it clear that the upcoming changes to the power‑unit formula will heavily influence his next move.
The 2026 regulations will reduce the electric component of the hybrid system from roughly 50 percent of total output to about 42 percent, a shift that could alter the balance between engine and chassis performance. "We have to understand whether the new rules for next season will have a real impact on the racing and on how the car feels to drive," Alonso told the press at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday. He added that the present cars, in his view, are "not the most enjoyable machines to drive," but he hopes the next generation will represent a step in the right direction. "I need to think about what the best programme is for next year and discuss it with the team – whether I stay behind the wheel or take on a different role where I can contribute the most.
That decision will be made together," he said. A day after Alonso's remarks, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene on behalf of the Spanish driver. Sulayem suggested that the governing body would work with the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five engine manufacturers – to accelerate Honda's development so the British‑Japanese partnership can become more competitive. He said, "We cannot let a champion like Fernando leave simply because the car is under‑performing.
He should be able to stay as long as he wishes, not be forced out by circumstances." Sulayem also hinted at possible tweaks to the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) rules, which currently focus on internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) power. By broadening the scope of ADUO, teams could receive extra development allowances for hybrid and aerodynamic upgrades, giving lagging manufacturers like Honda a chance to catch up more quickly. Honda has already used one of its two allocated engine upgrade slots for 2024 and has at least two more opportunities earmarked for 2027, along with an additional £14 million development budget approved by the FIA. The president recounted a recent conversation with Alonso, saying he saw the driver "very sad" after returning to his home race in Spain and feeling that his performance was being hampered by the car.
"I told Fernando that it is not acceptable for him to be in this situation and asked him what we could do to improve the results," Sulayem said. He claimed to have spoken with team principal Lawrence Stroll and promised that the FIA would support any measures that could help the Aston Martin‑Honda package. Red Bull's engine was declared the best by the FIA earlier this year, yet many in the paddock still regard Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull technical director Laurent Mekies have expressed openness to regulatory adjustments that would help Honda close the gap.
Wolff noted, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism and it has been unlocked for Honda; they need more of it." Mekies added that the sport regularly reviews its technical regulations to maintain a level playing field. "Earlier this season we made a first change to the ADUO rules to assist teams that were far behind the original specifications. All the teams voted for it because it benefits the sport as a whole," he explained.
He suggested that further discussions on the future of ADUO will take place, aiming to address any remaining shortcomings. It is still unclear whether Alonso's comments were primarily a push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or whether they stem from genuine dissatisfaction with the current generation of F1 cars.
The Spaniard debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, an era dominated by roaring naturally aspirated V10 engines, a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units. The shift in technology, combined with a car that struggles to compete at the front, has understandably weighed on his enthusiasm.
Alonso's future also raises the question of how long a driver can remain competitive at the highest level. He will turn 46 next summer, an age that historically marks the end of an F1 career; the last driver to race at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. Earlier this year, Alonso became a father and hinted that he still harbours ambitions beyond Formula 1, including a possible return to the World Endurance Championship and a bid for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin's trackside chief Mike Krack reiterated the team's desire to keep the double‑world champion on board. "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," Krack said in Madrid.
He declined to discuss any contingency plans, emphasizing how important Alonso is not only to the team but also to the sport as a whole. The broader driver market offers limited alternatives for Aston Martin.
Most of the 2027 grid is already set, with Max Verstappen extending his Red Bull contract and Williams retaining both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Only the second Red Bull seat, the Racing Bulls, Haas and the new Audi entry have yet to confirm line‑ups, meaning 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 developments, regulatory adjustments, and personal considerations. The FIA's willingness to revisit ADUO and possibly other aspects of the hybrid formula could provide the performance boost Honda needs, while Aston Martin hopes to negotiate a role—whether as a driver or in a technical capacity—that satisfies the champion's desire to stay competitive and enjoy the sport.
Until those discussions reach a conclusion, the question remains: will Formula 1 adapt its rules enough to keep one of its most celebrated drivers on the grid, or will Alonso choose to retire and pursue new challenges elsewhere?