Ahead of the 2026 F1 Italian GP, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was asked about his future in the sport. The two-time World Champion’s contract expires at the end of the 2026 season and no announcement has been made about a potential renewal yet.
The Spaniard currently sits P19 in the 2026 Drivers’ Standings with a total of 3 points to his name. Speaking ahead of the 2026 F1 Italian GP, Alonso shared his insights on Aston Martin’s improvement in pace at Zandvoort. The Spaniard also spoke on the factors holding him back from committing to a 25th season in F1.
Alonso on Aston Martin’s progress leading up to the 2026 F1 Italian GP
Prior to the 2026 F1 Italian GP, Alonso took his best result of the season in Zandvoort with a P9 finish. This was the same weekend Honda introduced its first major power unit upgrade of the season to the AMR26. The Spaniard reflected on the weekend and shared that he was highly motivated by the positive trajectory Aston Martin has been building upon since Hungary.
However, Alonso also stressed that despite the improvement in pace in Zandvoort, it should be treated as motivation rather than a great triumph.
“Obviously, we cannot be happy with just P9 and I think no one is happy in the team. It was a nice boost for everyone, knowing that the direction we are taking is the right one. Because we changed a lot of things in the car since Budapest.
“And obviously we know, we feel that in the corners we are getting in a much better place. So that gives hope for everyone in Silverstone that if we keep on going on this philosophy and this strategy and this pace of development, eventually we will be one of the fastest in the corners. So we just tick one of the boxes.”
Alonso says the 2026 F1 Italian GP will be the real test for Honda’s upgraded power unit
Despite the upgrades Honda brought to Zandvoort and the improvement in pace, the 45-year-old admitted that the vibrations from the engine made it incredibly difficult to drive.
According to Alonso, the 2026 F1 Italian GP will be the real test for the upgraded Honda power unit, especially with the many long straights at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
“Then on the engine side, I think Zandvoort was not a big improvement, to be honest. The drivability was a problem and the extra power was difficult to feel in Zandvoort. Maybe Monza is going to be a more true test for the engine but still a long way to go.”
His hopes for the next set of F1 regulations
Alonso then revealed that Aston Martin’s performance in the 2026 F1 season thus far is not the only factor he is considering when assessing his commitment for the 2027 season and beyond. The main factor, instead it was the 2026 F1 technical regulations.
Since the beginning of the 2026 season, Alonso has been one of the most vocal drivers who spoke against the regulation overhaul. The Spaniard added that he hopes his input will be considered for the next round of regulations as he strives to bring the sport back to the classic F1 that he grew up with.
Nonetheless, he stressed that regardless of Aston Martin’s performance, he will continue to maximise his potential in the AMR26, regardless of the position they are fighting for.
“We need to improve in both ends, in chassis and on engine for next year. It’s a must. So that’s the biggest thing. For my decision, as I said, it’s not really about the car. I will be professional and working at my 100%, fighting for P15 or fighting for a podium.
“But for me it’s more about the regulations. Unfortunately, this is what it is. This is not the Formula 1 we grew up and this is not the Formula 1 that we all want. Drivers, spectators. So we must change a few things. It will not happen immediately. It will happen for the future, but I hope I can contribute somehow for the next set of regulations when we go back to the real Formula 1.”
Alonso on his trust in Honda’s ability
Honda is widely considered to be one of the most successful engine manufacturers in F1, having contributed to many major constructor wins spanning multiple eras. However, the same cannot be said about its current performance in the first year of this era.
When asked if he was confident Honda will be able to return to their championship-winning potential, Alonso was quick to express his belief in the Japanese manufacturer.
The Spaniard also revealed that many of the engineers and core team figures who designed the engines for Max Verstappen’s championship-winning seasons have returned for the project.
Nonetheless, he did also stressed that since Aston Martin and Honda started the season on a deficit, the Japanese manufacturer had to “shortcut” the developmental process as they played the catch-up game against the rest of the grid.
“100%, I think it is a huge commitment from Honda. The facilities we have in Japan are one of the best. I think the personnel and the management of the power unit now has been reinforced. Honda said that a lot of people that were in the previous project, they are in again on this one. I think I have no doubts. I trust 100% Honda. We just need to shortcut somehow that process.
“Unfortunately, we started with the wrong foot. We started with this set of regulations. Not at the level that we wanted, but I have no doubt that they will get there. As I said many times, we don’t want to wait five years like they did last time or six years. We want to do it in two years or three years maximum.”
