Fernando Alonso: This is crucial to his decision to stay in Formula 1

As we all know, green is the colour of hope. At Aston Martin, the team in British Racing Green, the hope for improvement is what is keeping the team and drivers going through this difficult season. Aston Martin went into 2026 with high expectations. They had pinned their hopes on the new regulations for chassis and engines – and were left disappointed.

Once it became clear that Aston Martin would only be able to trail the field in 2026 and would not be introducing any significant upgrades for some time, one thing was certain: they would need to stay the course. However, the hopes of veteran champion Fernando Alonso and his team rest on an upgrade package that is finally due to arrive at the upcoming race in Budapest.

Budapest package has no bearing on Alonso’s future

Before the completely revamped Aston Martin takes to the track in Budapest this weekend, however, Fernando Alonso made it clear: the new package will have no bearing on his decision regarding his future in Formula 1.

The two-time world champion, who turns 45 in a few days’ time, stated clearly: “Not at all, because my decision doesn’t depend on this year’s performance. We’ve had a poor start, and I can’t base my decision for next year on a level of performance that isn’t realistic. I don’t think that’s the team’s true potential. I think it’s much higher than what we’re currently seeing.” So there’s hope for 2027!

Alonso: “We’d pinned great hopes on this set of regulations, and on Adrian joining the team, and Honda, and things like that.” Honda as the engine supplier and the appointment of star designer Adrian Newey. “So expectations were very high, and we haven’t lived up to them. It was simply disappointing to see the car in Barcelona and Bahrain. But at the same time, everyone in the team has seen this as a challenge and wants to make it work. Hopefully, Budapest will be the first step towards that level of performance. A comeback, and I think, hopefully, in the right direction for the team.”

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Crucial, however: the regulations!

The decisive factor for Alonso’s future in Formula 1, on the other hand, is the regulations. Alonso: “My decision for next year is more about the rules. Driving these cars at places like Spa now, or at the last race at Silverstone, isn’t what I’d dream of for my future. So we’ll see.” Alonso is referring here to the often-criticised energy management of the new cars. Some adjustments have already been made for next year, and some have been introduced during the course of this season as well. Nevertheless, the critical voices remain loud. The weaknesses of the regulations were most recently highlighted on the traditional high-speed circuits at Silverstone and Spa.