Fernando Alonso knows how to keep the paddock guessing. Amid swirling questions about his Formula 1 future, the two-time world champion offered a playful two-word response: "Not soon." The Spaniard was in a jovial mood during the press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where he was asked when an announcement about his plans beyond 2026 could be expected.
Alonso's contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the current season, but he is yet to make a final call on whether he will continue racing in F1 next year. He insisted there is no rush, and indicated that the team is happy to wait as long as it takes. He even claimed that other drivers who have recently committed their futures elsewhere visited Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll during the summer. "Those drivers, they were visiting Lawrence in summer, yes. So, yeah, no urgency," he added with a smile.
But beneath the humour lies a serious consideration. Alonso hinted that his decision will be shaped by F1's controversial engine regulations, which he has branded a "battery world championship". F1 has already agreed to a two-step plan to reduce energy starvation: the current 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and battery power will shift to 58/42 next year and then to 60/40 in 2028. However, Alonso hopes for a more dramatic change in 2027.
"I think it's a step in the right direction," he said. "The cars will always reward you for charging the batteries on the high-speed corners and at the end of the straights, because that's the optimal lap time. But at one point in the lap, you need to charge the batteries, and you will charge them in the most problematic places for fun—high-speed corners and end of the straights—so against any driver input or pushing the limits of the car. But in a way, I still have some hope that next year's rules will still have to be tweaked again, that this is not the final version."
Alonso also did not rule out racing in another series such as the World Endurance Championship with Aston Martin in 2027. Asked specifically if another championship like WEC could be an option instead of F1, he replied: "Yes." That single word opens the door to a future beyond single-seaters.
For now, Alonso remains the centre of attention. With over two decades of experience, he knows when to talk and when to toy with the media. His eventual decision will not only shape his own career but also impact the driver market and Aston Martin's trajectory. Until then, fans can only wait—perhaps with a smile, just like Alonso.
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