FIA’s unusual push to keep Alonso and Honda anchored in Formula 1

Fernando Alonso has yet to reveal whether he will continue in Formula 1 beyond 2026, and speculation intensified in Madrid, where rumours of a potential retirement — or even a switch to the WEC with Aston Martin — gained traction. His recent comment about hoping for further changes to the 2027 regulations raised eyebrows, and those words now appear linked to an unexpected intervention from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Speaking at the New Economy Forum, he suggested the Federation could adjust rules to help Aston Martin recover competitiveness and persuade Alonso to stay, describing the Spaniard as “too important to lose due to circumstances.”

Ben Sulayem claimed to have met Lawrence Stroll and Alonso to discuss possible measures, referencing earlier concessions granted to Honda through a tailored ADUO band. While a FIA spokesperson later downplayed the implications, the episode hints at broader concerns involving Aston Martin’s future and Honda’s long‑term commitment to F1.