Formula 1 has managed to win over everyone except one. While drivers like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and others who are critical of the technical regulations have renewed their contracts and committed to the championship for the long term, Fernando Alonso continues to fight. The Asturian driver does not want to renew until he sees changes.
Fernando Alonso has stressed that he wants to see changes to the regulations before renewing with Aston Martin. The Spanish driver, the most veteran in Formula 1, regards it almost as a personal responsibility. And he has already moved Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, to heed his demands.
Alonso insists that the 2026 cars don’t appeal to him
Fernando Alonso has a mission: to change Formula 1. The Asturian driver has decided that he will not renew with Aston Martin until real changes to the regulations are in place to mitigate the effect of cars that are so electric that they have lost any driving challenge. The FIA has already taken action, but Alonso continues to apply pressure.
Alonso has stated that “we cannot wait until 2031 to have a sport at the proper level. It is my responsibility to help them do everything possible.” And the current technical regulations will remain in place until 2030, but Alonso and almost any forward-thinking person realize that in four more years, there will be hardly anyone left who is genuinely passionate about Formula 1.
So Alonso makes his stand with a firm “Formula 1 cannot continue down this path.” In fact, he is already flirting with a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and endurance racing, whether alongside Formula 1 or on his own. And the worst part is that he is not the only driver contemplating it.
Alonso stands firm, explaining that “these aren’t the best cars; they aren’t the most fun.” He adds that “there is a step next year, I just hope it’s in the right direction.” The FIA has announced modifications that give somewhat more weight to the engine’s thermal side, but even so, it still seems far too little to make a real difference.
When asked about when he might renew with Aston Martin, Alonso takes it calmly. The two-time champion believes there is “no rush,” and adds that “it’s a matter of understanding whether the 2027 rules will impact races and driving.” For now, what is being explored also includes shortening the length of races.
Formula 1 has entangled itself in an unnecessary technical labyrinth that is now scaring away its stars and, worse, its fans.
Images | Aston Martin, Honda
