Alonso hints at Formula 1 exit as FIA regulations become key to his future – Fernando Alonso has refused to commit to racing for Aston Martin in Formula 1 beyond 2026, with the two-time world champion revealing that the competitiveness of his car is not the deciding factor.
Instead, Alonso says the FIA’s future regulations and the direction of Formula 1 itself will play a major role in determining whether he continues.
Alonso: “It’s not really about the car”
Alonso was asked about his Formula 1 future at Monza and made clear that Aston Martin’s results are unlikely to determine his decision.
“It’s not really about the car,” Alonso said on Thursday when discussing whether he will race for the team in 2027.
The Spaniard insisted that he would continue to approach his work professionally regardless of Aston Martin’s position on the grid.
“I am working and will continue to work 100 percent professionally, whether I’m fighting for 15th place or the podium,” he added.
That stance suggests the performance of Aston Martin’s car is not the primary issue behind Alonso’s uncertainty.
FIA regulations could decide Alonso’s future
Instead, Alonso pointed towards the rules governing the next generation of Formula 1 cars as a crucial factor.
“Unfortunately, they are what they are. This isn’t the Formula 1 we grew up with, and it’s not the Formula 1 we all want, drivers and spectators,” Alonso said.
His comments underline a growing concern from the veteran driver about the direction of the championship. Alonso has previously been outspoken about the sport’s technical and sporting regulations, and his latest comments indicate that he wants to see changes before deciding whether to remain on the grid.
Max Verstappen has also been among the drivers to publicly criticise aspects of the current Formula 1 rules during the 2026 season, highlighting the broader debate surrounding the championship’s direction.
Alonso wants to influence the next Formula 1 era
Despite his criticism, Alonso has not closed the door on continuing his career.
“We need to change a few things. This won’t happen immediately. It will happen in the future, and I hope that I can contribute something to the new regulations and that we can return to the real Formula 1,” he said.
The comments are particularly significant given Alonso’s experience and his long-standing involvement in discussions about the future of the sport.
Rather than simply waiting to see whether Aston Martin becomes a race-winning team, Alonso appears to be considering whether the championship itself remains something he wants to compete in.
Aston Martin waiting for Alonso decision
Aston Martin is therefore facing an important period of uncertainty. The team needs to understand Alonso’s plans before determining how its driver line-up will develop beyond the current season.
Team principal Mike Krack previously indicated that discussions with Alonso have been taking place for several months.
“The talks have been going on for many, many months now. I think Fernando has always said that he wants to make a decision around the summer. And I think we’ll get a decision in the coming weeks,” Krack said.
“I think we’ll wait for his decision and then we’ll see what happens next,” he added.
For Aston Martin, Alonso’s decision could have major implications. But Alonso’s latest comments suggest that the question is no longer simply whether Aston Martin can build a competitive car.
The bigger question may be whether Formula 1 itself develops in a direction that convinces one of its most experienced drivers that there is still a future worth fighting for.
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Not only one of F1’s most experienced drivers, but also one of its most talented!
Isn’t it time the powers-that-be LISTEN to the two most naturally talented drivers ever to grace this sport and NOT to manufacturers, or the money-chasers?