Fernando Alonso has stated that his decision regarding his Formula 1 future beyond 2026 will be influenced more by the sport’s regulations and his ability to enjoy driving the current hybrid cars, rather than Aston Martin’s immediate performance. The veteran driver, whose contract with the Silverstone-based team expires at season’s end, emphasized that his choices are tied to the evolving nature of F1 machinery rather than short-term results.
While Aston Martin is banking on a major upgrade at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix to sway Alonso’s decision, the Spaniard has consistently maintained that the team’s current struggles—stemming from an overweight and unreliable car under the new regulations—are unrelated to his long-term plans. “My decision isn’t based on this year’s performance,” Alonso said at Spa. “We started poorly, and I can’t base next year’s choice on unrealistic outcomes. The team’s true potential is higher than what we’ve seen. My focus is on whether these cars can become more enjoyable to drive moving forward.”
Alonso admitted disappointment with Aston Martin’s subpar start to the 2026 season, particularly given the high expectations following the arrival of Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda. Despite this, he remains optimistic that the team’s revised B-spec car will mark a turning point. “We had high hopes for the new regulations and Adrian’s arrival, but we didn’t meet them. The disappointment in Barcelona was evident, but the team has embraced the challenge. Hopefully, Budapest will be the first step in the right direction.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
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