Formula 1 fans in Texas and across the nation heard a candid interview from Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso this week. The 45‑year‑old Spaniard, whose contract with the team expires at the end of the season, warned that the sport’s recent engine regulations have moved away from the “real Formula 1” that drivers and spectators grew up with.
Alonso’s concerns about the new rules
Alonso told reporters, “Unfortunately, this is what it is. This is not the Formula 1 we grew up with. 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.” He added that he hopes to help shape the next set of regulations so the sport can return to its roots.
Contract status and future plans
The driver is currently on an expired contract with Aston Martin, and with most top seats already filled for 2027, his options appear limited. While the team has seen a performance boost from a new Honda engine upgrade over the past two races, Alonso made clear that the upgrade alone does not sway his decision.
“For my decision it is not really about the car,” he said. “I will be professional and working at my 100%, fighting for P15 or fighting for a podium. But for me it is more about the regulations.” The possibility of retirement is now being discussed, though no final decision has been announced.
Recent results and outlook
Alonso’s most recent points finish came at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he placed ninth. He described the result as a “nice boost for everyone” and said it confirmed that the direction the team is taking is correct. Since the Budapest race, the car has undergone several upgrades, and Alonso believes the handling in corners has improved significantly.
As the season draws to a close, the driver’s comments add to ongoing debates within the sport about the balance between technical innovation and preserving the core excitement that has defined Formula 1 for decades.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
