Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain after he hinted that a decision about staying with Aston Martin "won't come soon." The two‑time world champion has voiced frustration with the sport's upcoming 2026 rule package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points only twice this season. At 45, Alonso is approaching the end of his current contract with Aston Martin, which expires at the close of the 2023 campaign. He explained that the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically a reduction in the electric component from roughly 50% of total output to 42% – will be a decisive factor in his next move. "It's a matter of understanding whether the rules for next year will have an impact on the racing and on the driving side of things," he said at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday.
Alonso continued, "The current cars, as I have said many times, are not the best machines to drive and enjoy. But next year there is a step in the right direction, hopefully. At the same time, I need to think about the best programme for next year and sit with the team.
Whether I'm behind the wheel or in another role where I can contribute the most, that will be the most important decision we make together." A day after his remarks, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared to intervene, suggesting he wants to speed up Honda's engine development so the Japanese manufacturer can close the gap to its rivals. In a statement, Ben Sulayem said, "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave – Alonso, a great champion – just because of the circumstances. That's not the way to leave the stage. He has to be successful and then he can leave whenever he wants, not because he is forced out by performance issues." He added that he had met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and would discuss possible changes to the regulations that could benefit Honda.
One proposal under consideration is to modify the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) rules, which currently focus on internal‑combustion‑engine upgrades, to allow broader development avenues, including hybrid and electric components. Honda has already exhausted one of its two engine‑upgrade allowances for 2023 and retains at least two more for the 2024 season, backed by an extra £14 million development budget. Ben Sulayem said he would speak directly with Alonso, acknowledging the driver's disappointment: "I saw him very sad and told him it's not acceptable that he comes to his own country, after two world championships, and ends up at the back of the grid." The president also referenced a May‑time legal adjustment that gave teams more flexibility to improve their power units, and he asked Alonso what specific changes he would like to see.
"Please tell me what you want us to do to improve these results," Ben Sulayem said, promising to bring the matter to Stroll and the broader Power‑Unit Advisory Committee, which includes all five manufacturers. Red Bull was previously recognised by the FIA as having the best engine, although many in the paddock still view Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull's sporting director Laurent Mekies expressed openness to rule tweaks that could help Honda catch up. Wolff noted, "The ADUO was designed as a catch‑up mechanism and that formula was unlocked for Honda, and they need more." Mekies added, "We cannot agree on everything, but as stakeholders we try to keep an open view of the regulations.
Earlier this year we made a first change to the ADUO rules to help those who were far behind. All teams voted for that, for the benefit of the sport.
If a situation needs fixing, we normally find a solution, and I am sure we will sit down soon to discuss the future of ADUO." Whether Alonso's comments are a strategic push for rule changes that would benefit Aston Martin and Honda, or a genuine expression of dissatisfaction with the current cars, remains unclear. It is worth remembering that Alonso debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, when naturally aspirated V10s roared around circuits – a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbocharged units.
Aston Martin's lack of competitiveness is certainly part of the equation, and it raises the question of how long the Spaniard wishes to continue racing if he cannot fight for podiums. Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins observed, "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 also struggles.
The Hungary aero upgrade gave some 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 in, week out." Alonso will turn 46 next summer, and the last driver to race in Formula 1 at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. He became a father earlier this year 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 said in Madrid, "We have always been clear that the team wants to continue.
We respect Fernando's thoughts and the time he needs to decide. We are confident we can reach a solution that works for everyone. He needs to make up his mind and then we move on." Most of the 2027 grid is already set, with Max Verstappen re‑signing with Red Bull and Williams retaining Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.
Only the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the new Audi entry have yet to confirm line‑ups, meaning Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he choose to retire. Krack added, "I will not speak about any Plan B. We very much hope Fernando will continue. He's vital for our team, for Formula 1 and for motorsport in general.
It would be a pity not to have him anymore, and that would be so dramatic I don't even want to think about it." The discussion about potential regulatory tweaks, the ADUO mechanism, and the broader power‑unit landscape will likely continue as the sport heads into the final stretch of the 2023 season, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicking off a triple‑header from September 24‑26. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, streaming via NOW, with the option to cancel at any time.