Fernando Alonso insists his Formula 1 future will not depend on Aston Martin’s performance over the rest of 2026, but whether he can enjoy driving the current hybrid cars. The Spaniard’s future has become a major talking point, with his contract due to expire at year‑end.

Aston Martin is banking on a major upgrade at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix to persuade him to stay, having started the new regulation cycle poorly with an overweight and unreliable package. Alonso already said in Barcelona that the updated car would not be a deciding factor.

Speaking at Spa, the two‑time champion doubled down, revealing his decision hinges on whether F1 can make the current cars more enjoyable to drive, as he weighs racing beyond his 45th birthday. He said the B‑spec car is “nothing” for his future.

The team, built a larger factory in England’s motorsport valley, signed Adrian Newey to head the technical department and secured Honda as its works engine partner. Alonso was disappointed with the start but hopes Hungary will mark a turning point.