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 Spaniard has voiced growing frustration with the sport's 2026 regulatory package and the lackluster performance of his Aston Martin‑Honda machine, which has managed to score points in only two races this season. Alonso, now 45, is racing under a contract that expires at the end of the current year. He explained that the forthcoming changes to the power‑unit formula – specifically a reduction in the electric component from roughly 50 percent to 42 percent – will be a key factor in determining whether he continues behind the wheel or moves into a different role within the team.
"It comes down to understanding how next year's rules will affect the racing and the driving experience," he told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix. "The cars we have now are far from ideal to drive and to enjoy, but there is a step in the right direction for next season, hopefully. At the same time, I have to consider the best programme for next year and discuss it with the team – whether that means staying in the cockpit or contributing in another capacity. The 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 speed up Honda's engine development to bring the Japanese manufacturer up to speed with its rivals.
In a series of statements, Ben Sulayem said, "We cannot let Fernando leave the sport simply because of the current circumstances. A champion of his stature should be able to decide his own fate, not be forced out by poor performance. I share his concerns about the car's lack of pace. I have spoken with Lawrence Stroll and we will explore every possible change to convince him to stay.
This situation is simply not acceptable." While some observers view Ben Sulayem's remarks as a personal outreach, Sky Sports F1 notes that the FIA president is likely working through the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – which includes all five engine manufacturers – to find ways to assist Honda. One proposal under discussion is a revision of the ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities) regulations so that they apply not only to internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) power but also to hybrid and electric components. Honda has already exhausted one of its two permitted engine upgrades for 2024, still has two upgrades earmarked for 2027, and received an extra £14 million development budget from the FIA.
Ben Sulayem elaborated on his conversation with Alonso, saying, "I saw how upset he was, especially coming to his home race and feeling like a two‑time champion reduced to fighting at the back. We took legal steps in May to give the team more freedom to develop the engine, and I asked Fernando what he needs from us to improve the results.
He was very clear about the need for a faster, more reliable power unit. After that, I met with Stroll and assured them that the FIA will support any measures that help Honda become competitive." The broader engine debate has seen Red Bull touted as having the best power unit earlier this year, though many in the paddock still regard Mercedes as the benchmark. Both Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull technical chief Laurent Mekies have expressed openness to regulatory tweaks that could help Honda close the gap. Wolff commented, "The ADUO system was designed as a catch‑up mechanism, and Honda clearly needs more flexibility.
The conversation with the president and Alonso is reasonable – we want all top constructors to be competitive, and sometimes regulations need fine‑tuning for the good of the sport." Mekies added, "We cannot agree on everything, but the sport benefits from an open dialogue about the rules. Earlier this year we already adjusted the ADUO framework to aid teams that were falling behind, with unanimous support from the other constructors. If a situation arises that threatens the health of the championship, we will find a solution together. I expect we will revisit the ADUO rules soon to address the shortcomings we have identified." 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, is difficult to determine.
It is likely a combination of both. Alonso debuted in Formula 1 in 2001, when the sport was powered by screaming naturally aspirated V10s, a stark contrast to today's hybrid turbo‑charged units. The shift in technology, combined with Aston Martin's struggle to match the front‑running teams, has left the Spaniard questioning how long he can continue competing at the highest level.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins summed up the dilemma: "It's not enjoyable to be stuck at the back, dealing with unreliability and knowing you can only fight for Q1. The engine is underperforming, but the chassis also lacks pace.
The Hungarian aero upgrade gave a modest boost, and the Zandvoort engine upgrade fell short of expectations. Fernando is not having fun, 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 race in Formula 1 at that age was Graham Hill in 1975. The Spaniard became a father earlier this year and has hinted that he may pursue other motorsport avenues, including 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 find a solution that works for everyone." The rest of the 2027 grid is largely set, with Max Verstappen having renewed his contract with Red Bull and Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon committing to stay.
Only a few seats remain open – notably the second Red Bull seat, Racing Bulls, Haas and the upcoming Audi entry – meaning Aston Martin would have limited options to replace Alonso should he choose to retire. Krack concluded, "I will not discuss any Plan B. We hope Fernando stays because he is vital to our team, to Formula 1 and to motorsport as a whole. It would be a huge loss if he left, and I prefer not to think about that scenario." As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple‑header weekend from 24‑26 September, the sport continues to watch closely how the situation evolves.
Fans can follow live coverage on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW, and see whether the FIA's proposed regulatory adjustments will be enough to keep one of the sport's most celebrated drivers on the grid.