Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin have the Formula 1 paddock on edge. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem unexpectedly revealed a meeting with Lawrence Stroll and Alonso in Madrid, offering to tweak the 2027 engine regulations to boost Aston Martin’s performance. But behind that gesture, there’s a bigger agenda: preventing Honda from quitting F1.
Ben Sulayem is never one to mince words. Yet his latest comments sparked speculation. After all, Honda is the only non-European engine manufacturer on the grid. Losing them would undermine F1’s global narrative. So it’s no surprise that Liberty Media and the FIA are united in finding ways to keep Honda happy—even through the back door of Aston Martin.
Stroll Explores Red Bull Engines
As rumors swirl, Aston Martin is reportedly shopping around for engine options. After Monza, Lawrence Stroll is said to have had in-depth contacts with Red Bull to discuss the possibility of securing the Milton Keynes-built power unit. Talks have begun, but Red Bull has shown no interest in supplying teams beyond Racing Bulls. This situation clearly makes Aston Martin nervous.
Stroll wants his heavy investments to pay off. With Adrian Newey and Alonso in the team, expectations are high. Not to mention Aramco, strategic partner and title sponsor, who is also a global F1 partner. This web of interests has prompted the FIA and Liberty Media to act swiftly. They don’t want Aston Martin switching to a non-Honda engine and leaving Honda in limbo.
Honda: A Valuable F1 Asset
Since Honda returned via Aston Martin, F1 has high hopes. Their presence expands market reach, especially in Asia. If Honda leaves again, it would be a major blow. So Ben Sulayem took the initiative to change the 2027 regulations—not merely to help Aston Martin, but to ensure Honda has a strong reason to stay.
In the Madrid paddock, this issue is the talk of the town. FormulaPassion reports that Ben Sulayem met Stroll and Alonso to discuss regulatory changes that could give Aston Martin a competitive edge. This move is seen as an effort to save F1’s ecosystem from losing a major manufacturer.
However, not everyone agrees. Some believe the FIA’s intervention goes too far. But with the 2027 regulations still fluid, this moment could be crucial. Aston Martin needs performance certainty; Honda needs long-term commitment assurance.
The story is far from over. Stroll keeps pushing, Alonso waits, and Honda deliberates. If F1 fails to convince them, Honda might shut the door again. And that’s a nightmare for Liberty Media.
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