Fernando Alonso is at a crossroads. The Spanish driver has yet to decide whether he will continue his Formula 1 career next season, and the situation has sparked concerns in the paddock. However, behind the scenes, an effort is underway to change the narrative.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly working on a fresh rules concession plan aimed at accelerating Honda's progress while keeping Alonso in F1. This move comes after Alonso expressed frustration with the current regulations and uncertainty over Aston Martin's performance.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, it emerged that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to give Honda, Aston Martin's struggling engine supplier, extra assistance for 2027. The hope is that Alonso will be incentivized to extend his contract.
Ben Sulayem met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll on Thursday to discuss an action plan that could help the team and secure Alonso's future. The meeting followed a difficult Italian Grand Prix for Honda with their upgraded power unit.
Earlier, the FIA helped Honda secure additional assistance through the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism. This granted Honda more test bench hours and an extra $19 million spending package, though some of it was considered a loan against future development budget. However, what new assistance Stroll and Alonso are now seeking remains unclear.
Sources indicate that discussions have not yet reached the stage of formal rule changes with Honda. Options could include more homologation freedoms, extra spending allowances, or specific rule changes in areas where Honda feels limited. Any changes would need support from other manufacturers, who earlier this year showed willingness to put self-interest aside.
Ben Sulayem is said to be determined to push this matter through, as he believes it would benefit F1 as a whole. He wants to avoid a situation where Honda remains stuck, which could risk both Alonso leaving and Honda reconsidering its F1 future.
Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid, Ben Sulayem revealed that a chat with Alonso at the Italian GP sparked action. "I saw him very sad," he said. "I said, Fernando, I understand that it's not acceptable that you are coming to your own country, and after two times being world champion, you are in last place."
With this move, Alonso's F1 future might soon find clarity. If the FIA's efforts succeed, it's not unlikely that Alonso will regain his enthusiasm and continue to entertain fans on track.
Baca Juga
FIA dikabarkan menyusun rencana konsesi aturan untuk mempercepat Honda dan mempertahankan Fernando Alonso di F1. Upaya ini dilakukan agar Alonso mau memperpanjang kontrak.
Mercedes tampil dominan di latihan bebas F1 GP Spanyol 2026 di Madring. Russell tercepat di long run, ungguli Verstappen dan Antonelli. Ferrari dan McLaren tertinggal jauh.
Ferrari dan Mercedes tunjukkan pendekatan berbeda di Madring. Simak analisis setup dan deployment energi mereka di FP1 dan FP2.
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